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- Certificate III in Water Industry Operations
Overview
About this course
Gain practical skills to work as a water or wastewater plant operator. Study through a mix of on-campus, online, virtual and workplace learning. Learn about sustainable water operations and help provide safe, clean water for communities.
Outcomes
What you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
test wastewater samples
use hand-held tools and equipment to test chlorine levels
follow environmental procedures and report outcomes
apply risk management practices in the water industry
identify hazards and record and report them
follow work health and safety (WHS) practices.
Course outcomes
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
A nationally accredited Certificate III qualification.
Practical skills and knowledge linked to your units of competency.
Strong pathways to continue your studies to improve job options.
Suitability
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
Non-traineeship
You must be currently working in the water operations industry. You’ll need to show your resume and a letter from your employer as proof.
Traineeship
You must be employed as a trainee in the industry.
Your Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) must submit your Training Proposal Plan (TPP).
Visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page for more information.
Completion requirements
During your study you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
access to a computer with internet access
recording equipment to complete assessments and online components of study
good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
Find Your Fit
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
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 or wastewater network operator, water or wastewater treatment operator and water quality officer.
Licensing
After you complete this course, you can choose from a range of careers. Before you start work, check if you need a licence, certification or registration.
Requirements vary by job, industry and the state or territory where you work. Visit NSW Fair Trading website or your state or territory licensing authority for more information.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study0 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 study3 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
The Certificate III in Water Industry Operations does not have any related courses.
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.
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 - 2
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.
Participate in WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control processesBSBWHS308
Assess, implement and report environmental proceduresNWPGEN019
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
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
Study options