Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations

Please note that the fees displayed are for 2025 and may change for 2026 commencements

Overview

The Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations is your entry point into one of the fastest-growing industries in our region. With major infrastructure and development projects planned in the coming years, there’s never been a better time to prepare for a rewarding and in-demand career in civil construction.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to formalise your existing skills, this course provides a strong foundation in plant operations, workplace safety, and essential trade knowledge. You’ll receive hands-on, practical training and multiple plant operation licences, positioning you to become a confident, work-ready plant operator.

Course Structure Stage A: Core Skills for Civil Construction Plant Operations (Mandatory) Stage A forms the foundation of your training. You’ll learn how to safely operate key machinery, interpret site plans, and work effectively on active construction sites. This stage includes:

• Operation of major plant equipment such as excavators, skid steers, and front-end loaders
• Practical training in safe work practices, excavation, and basic levelling
• Confidence to communicate clearly on-site and follow instructions
• Real-world problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Hands-on experience to build your confidence and work-readiness
• Upon completing Stage A, you’ll be job-ready with multiple plant operation licences and a solid understanding of site operations.

Stage B: Career Advancement in Civil Construction (Optional) Stage B is an optional extension for those looking to take the next step in their civil construction career. This stage is focused on career progression and upskilling, and is ideal for graduates of Stage A or experienced workers who want to expand their capabilities or move into more advanced roles. More details to come – keep an eye out for updates.

Delivery Methods

• On-campus – The majority of teaching and assessment is conducted on-campus

Locations

• Shepparton Vic

When You Can Start

8 October

When You Can Enrol

‘Enquire Now’ to be notified when future applications open!

Duration

Stage A: 10 Weeks

Schedule

Dates: Stage A: 8 Oct - 12 Dec | Days: Wed-Fri Stage B (Optional): TBC | Days: TBC Time: 8.30am-4pm

Requirements

You are required to wear enclosed safety boots, long sleeves and pants. Please also note there are NO canteen facilities available at our Shepparton or Logic Campus’. There are vending machines with limited options available at Logic and take away options located within a 5 minutes’ drive of the campus, otherwise bring your own food and drink when completing a course at either Campus.

Assessment

The assessments will enable students to demonstrate the underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes required to meet the course outcomes. These will involve the assessment of your practical and theoretical knowledge through written assignments and practical project work.

Skills developed

How to operate a small and large plant and equipment including excavators, skid steer, rollers, front end loaders and haul trucks
How to handle resources and infrastructure materials and safely dispose of non-toxic materials
To identify, locate and protect underground services
Confidence to communicate with people at all levels on a construction site
Analytical skills to read and interpret plans and specifications quickly
Problem solving skills to meet the challenges of civil construction work
Work readiness as a trade qualified plant operator
Hands on experience working in simulated environments
Practical skills in operating hand and power tools, and heavy machinery
Practical experience in basic levelling and excavation
Learning how to load and unload plant

Compulsory Units

RIIBEF201E Plan and organise work
RIICCM201E Carry out measurements and calculations
RIICCM202E Identify, locate and protect underground services
RIICCM203E Read and interpret plans and job specifications
RIICCM205F Carry out manual excavation
RIICCM206E Support plant operations
RIICCM207E Spread and compact materials manually
RIICCM208E Carry out basic levelling
RIICOM201E Communicate in the workplace
RIIRIS301E Apply risk management processes
RIISAM201E Handle resources and infrastructure materials and safely dispose of nontoxic materials
RIISAM203E Use hand and power tools
RIISAM204E Operate small plant and equipment
RIIWHS201E Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures
RIIWMG203E Drain and dewater civil construction sites
RIIMPO318F Conduct civil construction skid steer loader operations
RIIMPO320F Conduct civil construction excavator operations
RIIMPO321F Conduct civil construction wheeled front end loader operations
RIIMPO337E Conduct articulated haul truck operations
RIIMPO317F Conduct roller operations

Licences/Tickets

Stage A
RIIWHS201E Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures
RIIMPO318F Conduct civil construction skid steer loader operations
RIIMPO320F Conduct civil construction excavator operations
RIIMPO317F Conduct roller operations
RIIMPO318F Conduct wheeled front end loader operations
RIIMPO337E Conduct articulated haul truck operations
RIICCM206E Support plant operations
RIISAM204E Operate small plant and equipment

Stage B
RIIRIS301E Apply risk management processes
RIICOM201E Communicate in the workplace
RIIBEF201E Plan and organise work
RIICCM205F Carry out manual excavation
RIICCM207E Spread and compact materials manually
RIISAM203E Use hand and power tools
RIICCM202E Identify, locate and protect underground services
RIICCM201E Carry out measurements and calculations
RIICCM203E Read and interpret plans and job specifications
RIICCM208E Carry out basic levelling
RIIWMG203E Drain and dewater civil construction sites
RIISAM201E Handle resources and infrastructure materials and safely dispose of nontoxic materials

Certification

By successfully completing this course you will receive an AQF Qualification.

Fees

From 1 January 2019, Free TAFE for Priority Courses is a Victorian Government program that will pay your tuition fees to study in this selected course at Wodonga TAFE, if you’re eligible, subject to minimum numbers.

Government Funded $2,790.00 (Tuition $2,790.00, Materials $0.00)
Concession $558.00 (Tuition $558.00, Materials $0.00)
Fee For Service $12,090.00 (Tuition $12,090.00, Materials $0.00)

Fees Additional Information

Please note that the fees displayed are for 2025 and may change for 2026 commencements.

Careers

Job roles include working in domestic and industrial subdivisions, railways, major infrastructure projects (e.g. inland rail), council roadworks/maintenance, recycling and waste management, electrical infrastructure, forestry and quarries, which will allow you to apply for positions in local companies such as Jarvis and Delahey, Cleaves earthmoving, Mawsons Constructions, Scaffidi Contractors, Girdwood Contracting, NL Drainage and many more.

How to apply

Apply via the ‘Apply online now’ button in the course information page. If the course is not available for application, please ‘Enquire Now’ to be notified when future intakes open!

Alternatively, please feel free to contact our friendly Customer Experience team on 1300 698 233 or info@wodongatafe.edu.au

Please note: We reserve the right to close course intakes early. Many courses have limited places and high demand. Early applications are recommended. We reserve the right to cancel intakes and courses if there are insufficient student numbers.