Overview Of Certificate III in Civil Construction
The Certificate III in Civil Construction is designed to help you take your civil engineering career to the next level. Learn more about the courses, qualifications, and skills involved in this widely recognised qualification, and how it can benefit your professional development.
Unique Aspects
It is a nationally recognised qualification.
It offers 2 specialist learning pathways.
It provides practical experience and develops specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market
What Is RII30920 – Certificate III In Civil Construction?
The Certificate III in Civil Construction is designed to provide foundational knowledge, skills, and qualifications for those interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering. The course consists of three parts, covering topics such as surveying, planning, working safely and responsibly on civil construction sites, operating small plant machinery and more. With this qualification, you’ll gain practical engineering knowledge and skills that can give you the edge when it comes to finding employment.
The requirements for this certificate vary from state to state, so it’s important to understand the differences before you start your studies. Generally speaking, most courses involve learning in practical and classroom environments. In some instances, you may even be required to complete an apprenticeship with a qualified tradesperson. On successful completion of the Certificate III in Civil Construction, you may even be able to quicken your way into a Diploma of Civil Construction in Design or Engineering Management, which will give you far more advanced skills and qualifications.
What Syllabus Does the Course Cover?
The syllabus for the Certificate III in Civil Construction covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to civil engineering, including surveying and basic environmental management. You’ll learn how to interpret plans and drawings, use hand tools and power equipment on civil works sites, employ safe work practices, operate plant machinery, read chains and levels, interpret schedules and more. By the end of the course you will be equipped with all of the necessary skills needed to begin a career in civil construction.
You will also have a range of specific skills and competencies that are integral parts of civil engineering, such as how to measure, cut, shape and join materials in the construction of drainage systems and basic building works. You’ll learn how to use compression-testing machines, operate manual levelling equipment, survey sites and gain an understanding of environmental management principles. The course also covers fundamental topics such as WH&S regulations, risk assessment methods, workplace safety and work health obligations. After completing this course you will be fully qualified to begin working in civil construction projects around Australia.
What Are the Prerequisites for Entry?
In order to begin the Certificate III in Civil Construction, you’ll need to meet the following prerequisites: be at least 18 years old, and possess white card safety certification. You may also need additional qualifications depending on your state or territory’s regulations. It’s important to check with your local RTO as each course may have different entry requirements.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an enrolment application and demonstrate the skills associated with basic construction activities. The prerequisite white card safety certification is an essential requirement for entry, as it shows that you have had the relevant construction industry training and understand the laws in place. N.B. All students are required to complete an online Literacy, Language and Numeracy (LLN) test, BEFORE commencing any training. From there, you’ll be introduced to a range of topics such as communication techniques, work health and safety, environmental sustainability practices, estimating construction costs, resolving problems on site, reading plans and more – all whilst gaining a clear understanding of civil constricting methods.
Entry Recommendations
To work in this role, you’ll need to be comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces. You’ll also need good hand-eye coordination, as well as an intermediate level of fitness to manage physical tasks like shovelling and moving surveying equipment.
People who want to gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give them an advantage in the job market.
You’ll need to be able to work well as part of a team, and be committed to safety.
What Are the Job Opportunities After Graduation?
After graduating from Certificate III in Civil Construction, there are a variety of career paths available for graduates. You could work in residential and commercial building, roadworks construction, maintenance, or specialise in certain civil construction areas such as coastal engineering and marine works. Opportunities also exist to gain supervisory roles or positions in project management. There are further study opportunities available at diploma and advanced diploma levels which can lead to more senior roles.
Certificate III in Civil Construction provides a solid foundation for those looking to start their career in the civil construction industry. Graduates may find themselves working on any number of projects such as building sites, road & bridge works, earthworks, marine works, and pipeline utility installation. You’ll gain the skills to interpret plans and drawings and use hand tools safely and efficiently. With experience there are opportunities to join consulting engineering firms or contribute to large-scale projects such as tunnels & dams.
How Can I Get Credit For My Prior Learning and Experiences?
Certificate III in Civil Construction provides you with credit for prior learning and greatly reduces the time it takes to complete the qualification. If you have prior knowledge and industry experience, you may be able to get credit towards your course which can reduce the study time required significantly.
To get credit for prior learning you may need to submit evidence of any relevant licenses, qualifications or industry experience. You will also be required to demonstrate or provide proof that the skills and knowledge you have gained from previous experiences and training matches the module outcomes of the course. Evidence such as job descriptions and work references are typically accepted by most providers, however this may vary from provider to provider so it is best to check with them in advance. Talk to your course provider to find out more information about what sort of evidence they require so that you can get credit for your previous skills and experiences.
Hopefully we’ve given you a good insight into the Certificate III in Civil Construction. While the qualification will be important for your career, it’s also important to understand that qualifications alone won’t get you there. You’ll still need to complete the necessary experience hours if you’re to become a licensed contractor. Overall, though, we think it’s a good certification to have—so if this is something you’re interested in, go for it.
Need more info? Visit our course webpage or contact us here at AOTA, we are only to happy to help show you the options available.
As always, we are dedicated to your career success.
Nigel