National code: RII30920

Certificate III in Civil Construction (Civil Construction General)

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Overview About this course

Build the practical skills you need to get your start in the dynamic civil construction industry. Get an all-rounder’s introduction, become a qualified civil construction worker and help to shape the future of Australia’s infrastructure.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Plan and organise civil construction tasks

  • Read and interpret plans

  • Use hand and power tools

  • Operate a small plant and equipment

  • Follow work health and safety (WHS) procedures

  • Perform measurements and calculations

Course outcomes

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

  • Experience liaising with real clients and stakeholders

  • Skills in working to project deadlines

  • Experience working on a real work site with colleagues and supervisors

  • The ability to use a variety of hand tools, power tools, and civil construction equipment

  • A strong pathway to continue your study 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

  • That you hold a valid general construction induction card (commonly known as a white card), as evidenced by a copy of your card

  • 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

Entry recommendations

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

  • Have good hand-eye coordination and the ability to use hand tools

  • Are comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces

  • Have an intermediate level of fitness to manage physical tasks like shovelling, moving surveying equipment, and walking long distances

  • The ability to work well as part of a team

  • A commitment to safety

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:

Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)

Earthmoving Plant Operators (General) operate a range of earthmoving plants to assist with building roads, rail, water supplies, dams, treatment plants and agricultural earthworks.

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

    93%

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

    2,400 workers

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

    48 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.

    $1,640

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

    48 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

    2% 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: civil construction worker, civil construction road surfacing worker, civil construction site maintenance worker, civil construction road maintenance worker, civil construction bridge maintenance worker, civil construction pipe laying worker and civil construction mobile plant worker.

Licensing

Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this qualification can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. These also may vary depending on your specialty units and employment options. Your teacher will advise you if there are any applicable to your study. Visit NSW Fair Trading for more information on licensing requirements and guidelines.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 1 Course

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

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

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 Civil Construction (Civil Construction General) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 25 units of competency, including 7 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.

  • Plan and organise work RIIBEF201E

  • Carry out measurements and calculations RIICCM201E

  • Read and interpret plans and job specifications RIICCM203E

  • Communicate in the workplace RIICOM201E

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 Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.