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Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations | CCF Victoria

RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations - Traineeship / Non-Traineeship

Enrolments now open for existing and emerging workers in the civil construction sector.

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Overview

Strengthen Your Skills in Civil Plant Operations

With a record number of civil infrastructure projects underway across Victoria, qualified plant operators are in high demand. The RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals already working in the civil construction sector or those seeking to establish a rewarding career in the industry. This program is available as both a Traineeship and a Non-Traineeship option, giving flexibility to employers and individuals.

This traineeship focuses on developing practical, on-site skills for the safe and efficient operation of mobile plant machinery. Training reflects real-world project environments and aligns with current job site safety and performance standards.

Led by experienced trainers from the industry at your workplace, the course is structured to support flexible, work integrated learning. It is suitable for both new entrants and current workers aiming to upskill or gain formal recognition for their experience. A tablet is provided as part of the course resources for easy assessment submission; this is included in your fees.

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  • Delivered by industry, for industry, at your workplace
  • Flexible training that fits your job
  • Strong employer engagement and onsite support
  • Experienced trainers with civil construction expertise
  • Recognised pathway to long-term career growth

Why choose us over TAFE?

  • Hands-on support with real employer engagement
  • Smaller class sizes and personalised training
  • Trusted by employers across Melbourne and Victoria
  • Currently working in civil construction (if you are not currently working in civil then kick start your career with our short courses – link)
  • Ability to perform physical work to a level as expected on Civil Construction worksites and this qualification
  • Have required level of Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital.

The course includes 15 core units and 5 elective units, providing essential skills for safe, efficient work across civil projects. Training starts once your training contract is lodged and the training plan approved. Credit transfers may apply for previously completed units

Core Units (15 units) include:

  • 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
  • RIIWMG203E Drain and dewater civil construction sites
  • RIISAM201E Handle resources and safely dispose of non-toxic materials
  • RIISAM203E Use hand and power tools
  • RIISAM204E Operate small plant and equipment
  • RIIWHS201E Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures

Standard Elective Units (5 units) include:

  • RIIMPO317F Conduct roller operations
  • RIIMPO318F Conduct skid steer loader operations
  • RIIMPO319E Conduct backhoe/loader operations
  • RIIMPO320F Conduct excavator operations
  • RIIMPO321F Conduct wheeled front end loader operations

We can add or swap electives to suit your workplace needs. The final electives will be confirmed after a discussion with CCF Victoria.

This course has rolling intake; you can start anytime.

  • Submit your enquiry, and we will give you a call to discuss the course.
  • Provide the learner's details, and we will send two emails:
    • Enrolment form link
    • LLN Robot link with a Language, Literacy, Numeracy (LLN) quiz and Digital Skills questionnaire
  • Employer contacts an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) to get the Epsilon Training Contract signed. (only for traineeships)
  • Once complete, we contact the learner for a Pre-Training Review.
  • Our trainer contacts the learner and employer to arrange the course start.

Typical duration: 18 to 36 months, timeline may be shorter due to recognition of current experience and attainments.

Minimum time commitment: 12 hours per month (CCF Victoria Training and Workplace activities relevant to the course)

Employers hiring apprentices in this course may be eligible for a range of state and federal support programs. These programs are designed to help grow your workforce and reduce the cost of training.

Available Support May Include: Hiring incentives, Wage subsidies, WorkCover premium discounts for apprentices, Payroll tax exemptions (for apprentice wages in Victoria), Government-funded training through the Skills First program (eligibility applies)

Need Help Claiming Incentives and for signing a Training Contract?

You can speak with an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP); they offer free advice and support to employers and apprentices throughout the apprenticeship journey, from sign-up to completion.

ANPs are contracted by the Australian Government to assist with:

  • Explaining your eligibility for incentives
  • Helping you complete the training contract
  • Providing ongoing support visits during the apprenticeship

Contact an ANP in Victoria:

Learn more at Apprenticeships Victoria

The fee includes training materials (including student learning and assessment tablet device), administration, and tuition. Fees vary by funding eligibility and selected units.

  • Government subsidised fee: $2900
  • Government subsidised fee for students with concession: $1780
  • Government subsidised fee for First Nation students: $1500
See the full fee schedule, including Victorian and Commonwealth Government subsidies here:

Schedule of Fees

Note: Tuition fees are indicative and may change based on funding eligibility.

What jobs can I get with a Cert 3 in Plant Operations?

This qualification is ideal for workers looking to become qualified plant operators in civil construction and is in high demand across Victoria’s infrastructure pipeline.

Typical roles include:

  • Plant or earthmoving operator (e.g. excavator, skid steer, roller)
  • Civil equipment operator
  • Site-based machinery operator

What does a plant operator do?

Plant operators use heavy machinery to move earth, dig trenches, prepare sites and more. They are essential to keeping civil construction projects moving safely and efficiently.

Interested? Contact us to learn more at: apprenticeships@ccfvic.com.au or (03) 9588 7600

For any other enquiries, please use the form below:

Enquiry form

Civil Contractors Federation (Victorian Branch) RTO ID: 3704
Enrolment in this course does not guarantee successful completion or employment outcomes. Eligibility for funding will be assessed on an individual basis.