Gain the practical skills to work as a wastewater or water plant operator. Blend on-the-job experience with online learning to enhance your knowledge. Explore sustainable water operations and contribute to reducing the industry's ecological impact.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Assess, implement and report on environmental procedures
Comply with risk management principles in the water operations industry
Follow safe work practices
Monitor, operate and maintain network operations
Use hand-held tools and equipment for sample testing
Your practical experience will differ depending on your workplace. You should choose elective units of study that align with your workplace requirements.
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited Certificate III qualification
Strong practical skills and knowledge that align with your chosen specialisation
Diverse knowledge of the water and wastewater treatment processes
Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities
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.
If you are applying to the course as a non-trainee, you must be currently working in the industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer.
TAFE NSW also offers the Certificate III in Water Industry Operations as a traineeship. To be eligible to enrol in the course as a trainee you must:
Thinking about a traineeship? Enquire today.
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:
Access to a computer with internet access and recording equipment to complete online components of study, assessments and to conduct research
An intermediate level fitness to manage physical demand in the workplace, such as lifting, bending and kneeling
Confidence working in confined spaces
Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
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: water/wastewater treatment plant operator, water meter reader, water/wastewater reticulation systems operator and water quality officer.
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 Water Industry Operations does not have any pre-requisite courses.
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 Water Industry Operations qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 11 units of competency, including 2 core and 9 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