Course - RII30820

Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations

Course Overview

Enhance your career prospects in civil construction by enrolling in this plant operations apprenticeship program. This qualification will enable you to become a skilled and recognized plant operator and pave the way for further career advancement.
 

As per the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, there is a high demand for earthmoving plant operators in Queensland. This occupation is projected to offer roughly 30,000 job openings across Australia over the next five years.

 

This program will help you build and refine your skills in various work areas, including infrastructure-related projects, subdivisions, bridge works, railways, harbours, sewerage and drainage, electrical infrastructure, and pipeline and recreation works. You will also learn how to safely operate a range of equipment, such as excavators, front-end loaders, water carts, and haul trucks, for carrying out civil works.

 

Upon successful completion of this qualification, you will be recognized as a trade-qualified plant operator and be eligible for further studies in the civil construction industry.

 

Duration

12-24 months

Delivery

Face to face training. Gain real world skills.

Price

Enquire now for price

Funding Career Start subsidy is available for this course (see below)

Career opportunities

Plant Operator | Construction Worker

Units

A combination of core and elective units of competency | Nationally recognised

Entry requirements

No formal prerequisites | RPL available

Pathways

Apprenticeship | Various industry pathways

Support

Experienced industry experts

Assessments

Combination of theoretical assessments and hands-on practical assessments in person.

Start now

Anytime. 

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Course Delivery and Duration

Our guides and assessments have been uniquely developed to best equip you for the real world! We have ensured you will remain engaged while completing your studies and provide real life, relatable scenarios to set you up for your future!

 

This course can take up to 2 years to achieve the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations. The course is designed as hands on practical learning, and is conducted at any of our training centres located in Queensland or at your work site. Based on demand, other training venues and locations may become available throughout the year.

Career Opportunities and Pathways

Completing the RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations provides a wide range of career opportunities in the civil construction industry, including:

  • Bridge Construction Worker: As a Bridge Construction Worker, you will be responsible for constructing and maintaining bridges, including foundation work, steel and concrete construction, and deck installation.
  • Construction Worker: As a Construction Worker, you will work on various construction sites, performing tasks such as digging trenches, laying pipes, pouring concrete, and installing and finishing structural elements.
  • Earthmoving Plant Operator: As an Earthmoving Plant Operator, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining various types of heavy machinery and equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers, graders, and rollers, for carrying out earthmoving activities such as excavation, grading, and compacting.
  • Mobile Plant Operator: As a Mobile Plant Operator, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining various types of mobile machinery and equipment, such as forklifts, cranes, and cherry pickers, for carrying out construction-related tasks such as lifting and moving heavy loads and materials.
After completing the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations, you can advance your career by gaining more experience and expertise in your chosen field. You may also choose to further your education by enrolling in higher-level qualifications, such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Civil Construction or related fields, to develop specialized skills and knowledge. Additionally, you may seek additional training and certifications to operate specific types of equipment or work in specialized areas, such as road construction or excavation to further enhance your employability and earning potential.

Funding

This course is approved under Career Start, the Queensland Government’s training initiative replacing the Certificate III Guarantee (effective 1 July 2025). Career Start provides eligible Queenslanders with government-subsidised training to help them begin a Certificate III qualification, and potentially an apprenticeship or traineeship, selected from priority or emerging industries.
 
For further information on Career Start and Civil Safety Programs, please refer to our Career Start page.

Please contact Civil Safety to check if you are eligible or complete our eligibility enquiry form.

Career Start Fees for eligible students undertaking an Apprenticeship/Traineeship are charged at $1.60 per nominal hour of training.

Units

In total, you need to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below. These units will be confirmed at time of enrolment. This qualification is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and upon completion you will be issued with a Statement of Attainment.

 

Core units

RIIBEF201E    Plan and organise work

RIICCM201E    Carry out measurements and calculations

RIICCM202E    Identify, locate and protect underground services

RIICCM203E    Read and interpret plans and job specifications

RIICCM205F    Carry out manual excavation

RIICCM206E    Support plant operations

RIICCM207E    Spread and compact materials manually

RIICCM208E    Carry out basic levelling

RIICOM201E    Communicate in the workplace

RIIRIS301E     Apply risk management processes

RIISAM201E    Handle resources and infrastructure materials and safely dispose of nontoxic materials

RIISAM203E    Use hand and power tools

RIISAM204E    Operate small plant and equipment

RIIWHS201E    Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures

RIIWMG203E    Drain and dewater civil construction sites

 

Plus 5 Elective units to be confirmed at time of enrolment.

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course however students will require:

A sufficient level of language, literacy and numeracy is required for students to be able to complete the required assessments

Support and assessments

Our trainers are dedicated to helping you succeed and will be available to answer your questions and provide feedback on your progress. They will provide you with the guidance and support you need to fully understand the course material, as well as offer suggestions for further learning opportunities.

 

We offer traditional face-to-face training for this qualification, providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that brings together both learner and trainer-centered approaches. Our objective is to facilitate a dynamic, interactive, and supportive environment that fosters skill development, knowledge retention, and practical application.

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Upon completion of the course, you will possess not only real-world skills and understanding, but also a nationally recognized and accredited qualification. Apply your skills in a dynamic new position or pursue a new exciting career path - start your future now and enquire below!

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Christmas Closure - Most of our offices are closed for the Christmas and New Year period from Monday 22 December, and will reopen on Monday 5 January. Please note that some of our branches remain open, with face-to-face training for popular courses continuing throughout this period.