Lay the groundwork for an exciting career supporting the future of Australian infrastructure as a civil construction pipe layer. Learn a wide range of skills, and prepare for the diverse outdoor tasks you’ll encounter in pipe laying.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Construct and support trenches
Lay, join and test pipes
Measure and calculate materials
Operate small plant and equipment
Communicate in a team and with colleagues
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Experience working in a real pipe laying business on key civil construction tasks
Confidence to liaise with clients and manage project deadlines
Opportunities to work in a team to solve challenges on project plans
A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Check the campus page for requirements to take this course as an apprenticeship
This course may also be offered as a non-apprenticeship. Enquire today to discuss your eligibility
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
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.
A general construction induction card (commonly known as a white card) – you will need this before you can enter a construction site
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
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
Basic digital literacy with electronic devices
Comfort working in confined spaces and at heights
Intermediate fitness to manage physical tasks like shoveling, backfilling and operating vibration plate compactors
The ability to provide your own personal protective equipment
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
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: civil construction worker, civil construction pipe layer, civil construction site maintenance worker and civil construction mobile plant worker.
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.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
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 (Pipe Laying) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 26 units of competency, including 8 core and 18 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