Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations Course Melbourne
Complete your RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations Course at CFMEU Education and Training, Melbourne.
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Overview
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Course Information
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Fees/Handbook
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Training and Assessment
RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
The Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations is a nationally recognised qualification that provides learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a range of plant and equipment commonly used in the civil construction industry.
This course covers a wide range of topics, including risk management, communication, interpreting plans and specifications, identifying hazards, and controlling plant and equipment operations. Learners will also develop practical skills in operating plant and equipment, performing routine maintenance, and undertaking basic fault finding and repair.

If you need to cancel your enrolment prior to the course commencing, we require at least 48 hours' notice.
If you cancel more than three enrolments within a calendar year, you will be required to contact us by phone to enrol in future courses. CFMEU Education and Training also reserves the right to apply fees for future enrolments.
Location
Melbourne Metro
Duration
2 Years
Course Requirements
- This course is only offered by invitation of the Victorian Civil Traineeship Association (VCTA) and CFMEU Education and Training. For more information, please email
- Must be physically fit and able to handle the demands of civil construction machinery.
Course Delivery
The course can be studied through a combination of classroom-based learning and on the job training. The course is competency-based, meaning that Learners will be assessed on their ability to perform specific tasks and meet industry standards. Learners are required to attend classes one day per week for 2 years.
Units of Competency:
| Unit code | Unit Name |
| 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 site |
| RIIMPO317F | Conduct roller operations |
| RIIMPO318F | Conduct civil construction skid steer loader operations |
| CPCCLDG3001A | Licence to perform dogging |
| RIIMPO320F | Conduct civil construction excavator operations |
| RIIMPO321F | Conduct civil construction wheeled front end loader operations |
Additional Units selected by Industry :
| HLTAID009 | Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
| HLTAID010 | Provide basic emergency life support |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid |
| VU23165 | Observe and manage the safe operation of plant and equipment around overhead and underground assets |
Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, learners will have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a range of plant and equipment commonly used in the civil construction industry. They will also have the opportunity to further their studies with higher-level qualifications in civil construction or related fields.
Incolink members: Free
Fees
For fee information, please go to the following link:
Fees and Charges
Learner Handbook
For information regarding what is expected of you and our commitments from CFMEU Education & Training, please go to the following link:
Learner Handbook
Training
Training delivered by the CFMEU Education and Training Unit incorporates a blend of delivery methods to ensure participants gain both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills required for the construction industry. This includes:
- Face-to-face classroom delivery – providing structured learning with qualified trainers, interactive discussions, and opportunities for learners to ask questions, share experiences, and consolidate their understanding of industry concepts, safety standards, and regulations.
- Simulation of practical activities – using purpose-built training facilities and equipment to replicate real construction site conditions. These simulated environments allow learners to safely practice and develop technical skills such as operating machinery, working at heights, and applying safe work practices before entering live worksites.
- Self-paced learning – offering flexible resources such as workbooks, online modules, and guided study to allow learners to review and reinforce key concepts at their own pace, catering to different learning styles and schedules.
- On-the-job learning – enabling participants to apply skills directly in real workplace environments under the guidance of experienced supervisors and mentors, bridging the gap between training and practical application.
Assessment
Assessment within the CFMEU Education and Training framework consists of a comprehensive and holistic process designed to measure a learner’s competence against the requirements of each unit of competency. Key components include:
- Written Knowledge Assessment – evaluates a learner’s understanding of theoretical concepts, legislation, workplace procedures, and industry standards. This may be delivered through short-answer questions, multiple-choice, case studies, or scenario-based problem solving to confirm underpinning knowledge.
- Practical Demonstration (Performance Assessment) – requires learners to apply their knowledge in real or simulated workplace environments. Learners demonstrate their ability to perform tasks safely and effectively, operate equipment, and follow correct processes under observation by qualified assessors.

