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National code: NWP30219

Certificate III in Water Industry Operations

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Overview About this course

Enter the water industry with a range of skills in different specialisations. Gain in-depth knowledge through a blend of theory and practical learning, and kickstart your career as a water/wastewater treatment plant operator or meter reading operator.

This course is superseded. You can still enrol in this course, and you will be contacted if you need to transition into the next version when it is available.

Outcomes What You'll Gain

Learning Outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Work safely in the water industry

  • Manage risks and hazards

  • Implement environmental procedures

  • Work in a variety of water specialisations

Course Outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Diverse knowledge of the water and wastewater treatment processes

  • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is This Course Right For You?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

  • Employment in the water industry operations industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • The ability to rise early to enjoy a professional career in the water industry

  • Intermediate level fitness to manage physical demand in the workplace – like lifting, bending, kneeling

  • Confidence working in confined spaces

  • Some experience operating a computer

  • Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team

  • 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.

Pathways Future Career and Study Options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like:

Waste Water or Water Plant Operator

Waste Water or Water Plant Operators operate plants to store, distribute and treat water, including purifying water for human consumption and removing waste from sewage.

  • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

    96%

  • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

    1,600 workers

  • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

    46 years

  • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

    $1,470

  • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

    42 hours

  • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

    Lower

  • Gender share

    3% female

  • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

    Strong Growth

Other jobs include: Water/wastewater network (reticulation) operator, Water/wastewater treatment plant operator and Meter reading operator

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Water Industry Operations does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Certificate III in Water Industry Operations does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 1 Course

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

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.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Water Industry Operations qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 11 Units of competency, including 2 core and 9 speciality units.

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.

  • Assess, implement and report environmental procedures NWPGEN019

  • Participate in WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control processes BSBWHS308

TAFE NSW Services Facilities and Support

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

  • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor

  • 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

Delivery Options Find a Location to Enrol

On campus, online and blended study environments; at TAFE NSW your learning works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites, compare courses and discover what works for you.