If you enjoy machinery, mechanics, problem-solving and hands-on work, there are several VET pathways that can help you get started working with plant and equipment in Tasmania’s civil construction industry.
Depending on whether you’re more interested in maintaining machinery or operating it, you can start with an entry-level Certificate II or work towards a Certificate III in Plant Operations.
What could I be doing?
- Working with plant in civil construction could involve:
- Supporting plant operations on civil construction sites
- Operating excavators, loaders, rollers, dozers and other machinery
- Carrying out basic checks and maintenance
- Identifying mechanical problems
- Using hand and power tools
- Working safely around heavy machinery
Plant mechanic fitter Career Fact Sheet
Aim your automotive apprenticeship to civil plant
mechanics and take on a constantly evolving career,
earning great money, with opportunities to travel the world.
Your pathway could look like this
Here are five ideas to help you become a Project Manager in the civil construction industry.
1
Choose your area of interest
Mechanical? → Certificate II Automotive Vocational Preparation
Civil construction? → Certificate II Civil Construction
Plant operation? → Find a civil employer / traineeship
2
Build practical experience
3
Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
4
Build your career working with plant and machinery in Tasmania's civil construction industry
Which pathway is right for me?
Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation – AUR20720
A good starting point if you want to learn how machinery and vehicles work.
This entry-level qualification introduces you to mechanical and electrical systems, tools, servicing and safe working practices. There are no formal entry requirements for the qualification.
It can help you decide whether a mechanical trade is right for you and prepare you to seek an apprenticeship or further training.
How to get started
- Apply for AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
↓
- Learn basic mechanical, electrical, servicing and workshop skills
↓
- Seek employment or an apprenticeship working with vehicles or heavy/mobile plant
Where can I study?
TasTAFE currently offers AUR20720 in Tasmania, including a Mechanical focus. The course is designed as an entry-level, pre-employment pathway and can lead towards an Australian Apprenticeship.
Certificate II in Civil Construction – RII20720
A good starting point if you want practical skills for working on a civil construction site.
You’ll develop foundation skills including:
- Working safely
- Using hand and power tools
- Operating small plant and equipment
- Reading plans
- Measurements and calculations
- Manual excavation
- Working around underground services
The qualification can help prepare you for entry-level work in civil construction and further training.
How to get started
- Enrol in RII20720 Certificate II in Civil Construction
↓
- Build practical civil construction skills
↓
- Seek entry-level employment in civil construction
↓
- Build experience and progress into plant operations
Where can I study?
TasTAFE offers RII20720 Certificate II in Civil Construction in Tasmania.
Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations – RII30820
This is the key pathway if your goal is to become a skilled plant operator in civil construction.
The qualification develops the skills required to work with plant and equipment on civil construction sites.
Depending on your training and electives, this can include machinery such as:
- Excavators
- Loaders
- Dozers
- Graders
- Rollers
- Skid steers
- Other civil construction plant
In Tasmania, RII30820 is available as an apprenticeship/traineeship qualification, with a nominal full-time term of 36 months.
How to get started
- Find employment with a civil construction employer
↓
- Talk to your employer about a traineeship
↓
- Enrol in RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations through an appropriate RTO
↓
- Learn while working on real civil construction sites
↓
- Complete your competencies and qualification
↓
6. Build your career as a qualified civil plant operator
I like fixing things and understanding how machinery works
Start with:
AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
I want to get onto a civil construction site and learn the basics
Start with:
RII20720 Certificate II in Civil Construction
I want to operate excavators, loaders, rollers and other heavy machinery
Work towards:
RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
What if I am still at school?
- Choose practical subjects – Look for VET, automotive, construction, metalwork/workshop, engineering, maths or design and technology subjects.
- Ask about VET courses – Speak to your school’s VET or careers adviser about completing AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation or RII20720 Certificate II in Civil Construction while at school, where available.
- Consider a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship – This lets you combine school with paid employment and nationally recognised training.
- Get your White Card – Construction workers need a White Card to work on construction sites. Your school or VET program may be able to help you access the training.
- Get some industry experience – Look for work experience with a civil contractor, machinery business, workshop, plant hire company or equipment dealer.
- Build your mechanical skills – Automotive, metalwork and workshop experience can be particularly useful if you’re interested in the maintenance and mechanical side of plant.
- Work towards your driver’s licence – Having a licence is a big advantage when applying for civil construction jobs and apprenticeships.
- Talk to employers early – Don’t be afraid to contact local civil contractors and ask about work experience, school-based opportunities or future apprenticeships/traineeships.
Simple school pathway
Years 9–10
Explore automotive, construction and workshop subjects → Try work experience → Talk to your careers/VET adviser
Years 10–12
Complete a relevant Certificate II where available → Get your White Card → Work towards your driver’s licence → Consider a school-based apprenticeship/traineeship
Leaving school
Find a civil employer → Start working and training → Progress towards RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations