Build your plant operations skills to contribute to exciting, large scale infrastructure projects as an earthmoving plant operator. Learn to confidently operate heavy machinery like rollers and tip trucks, and work as part of a team on a range of projects including roads, railways and airports.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Operate a small plant and equipment including excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, and rollers
Handle resources and infrastructure materials
Safely dispose of non-toxic materials
Identify, locate, and protect underground services
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Experience reviewing real construction plans, specifications and drawings
Industry networks with peers, colleagues and plant operations professionals
A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities
Accreditation to work as a trade qualified plant operator
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Be employed as an apprentice in the industry
Register with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will support your application
Non-apprenticeship pathways for trade-related qualifications allow you to have your industry skills assessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) and undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification. To take this course as a non-apprenticeship, you must:
Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by photo identification
Have at least 2 years of work experience in this occupation or trade, as evidenced by employee records such as your resume and/or letters from your employers
Be currently employed in the relevant industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
An interest in working outdoors and be involved with big machinery
Relevant employment or access to appropriate workplace environments to prove your skills
Intermediate level fitness to manage the physical demands of the role
Good organisational skills and the ability to multitask and respond well to rapid change
Experience in handling tools and equipment
A valid form of ID to prove you are at least 18 years old as part of SafeWork NSW requirements to undertake the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessment conducted via this course
You must successfully pass both the TAFE NSW and SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessments to be eligible for your SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence. For more details, see the licensing section below.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Earthmoving Plant Operators operate plant to excavate earth, ore and rock, break up pavement, road, rock and obstructions, move and load earth, rock and debris, and level, smooth and compact surfaces in construction and other projects.
93%
14,300 workers
44 years
$1,350
47 hours
Lower
1% female
Strong Growth
Other jobs include: earthmoving plant operator, civil construction worker, excavator operator, front-end loader operator, mobile plant operator, grader operator, skid steer operator and haul truck operator.
This course leads to a licensed occupation in NSW which means you must hold a SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence to gain employment in this field. This course includes unit/s that allow you to apply to be assessed for the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence. SafeWork NSW conducts the licence assessment and requires you to be at least 18 years old by the time you are assessed, evidenced by a valid form of ID.
During your course, you will enrol in your specific licensing assessment by logging into the MyServiceNSW app. Visit MyServiceNSW to set up your account. Once logged in, follow these four steps:
1. Complete your digital proof of identity by providing two forms of listed identification.
2. Select and enrol in your chosen SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessment through your MyServiceNSW account. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your Assessment Enrolment Number (AEN).
3. Provide your AEN to the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence accessor before your assessment.
4. After successfully completing your assessment, your results will be sent directly to your email address.
Please note: You can get support with the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence enrolment process by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88, Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm (AEST).
Visit SafeWork NSW for more information.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations does not have any post-graduate courses.
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 20 units of competency, including 15 core and 5 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community