This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
The MSM30216 Certificate III in Surface Preparation and Coating Application provides the trade-level competencies required to perform the wide range of surface preparation and protective coating application operations that occur across a range of heavy industry, ships and infrastructure.
The surfaces being prepared are typically metal (usually ferrous) and may be structural or have other mechanical requirements. The protective coatings may be liquid or solid. The applied coating may, or may not be the final coat and its purpose is protective, not decorative.
People with this qualification would be expected to work under routine supervision only, preparing surfaces and/or applying protective coatings in accordance with a provided technical specification. They would be expected to recognise situations where the intended approach was not appropriate/not working and take appropriate action to ensure the final result is satisfactory.
People with this qualification may be expected to undertake some combination of:
- abrasively blast clean surfaces to Australian Standard requirements and in accordance with the specification
- prepare surfaces for coating as required by the specification
- apply liquid protective surface coatings
- apply solid polymer surface coatings (this is usually a specialised area).
They may work in a manufacturer's factory or they may work as contractors on the site of the plant/ship/infrastructure.
This work may be undertaken:
- in a factory environment
- in an onsite, outdoors environment
- inside a vessel or other confined space
- outside a vessel or structure
- at heights
- some combination of these.
-
Financial help
-
Government funding is not available for this course.
-
-
Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
-
VET Student Loans are not available
-
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
-
-
On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
-
Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
-
Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through traineeship:
3 years - Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Through traineeship:
-
Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply quality procedures | Core |
| Apply quality systems | Core |
| Interact with computing technology | Core |
| Organise and communicate information | Core |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | Core |
| Perform computations | Core |
| Perform engineering measurements | Core |
| Plan a complete activity | Core |
| Plan to undertake a routine task | Core |
| Work safely | Core |
| Work with others in a manufacturing, engineering or related environment | Core |
| Apply protective coatings (advanced) | Elective |
| Apply protective coatings (basic) | Elective |
| Apply workplace context to own job | Elective |
| Assist in development and deliver training in the workplace | Elective |
| Assist in the provision of on the job training | Elective |
| Bond polymers to surfaces | Elective |
| Communicate with individuals and small groups | Elective |
| Conduct formal interviews and negotiations | Elective |
| Conduct hazard analysis | Elective |
| Control blast coating by-products, materials and emissions | Elective |
| Control surface finish production and finished product quality | Elective |
| Coordinate erection/dismantling of complex scaffolding/equipment | Elective |
| Enter confined space | Elective |
| Erect/dismantle complex scaffolding and equipment | Elective |
| Erect/dismantle scaffolding and equipment | Elective |
| Gas test atmospheres | Elective |
| Identify equipment faults | Elective |
| Issue work permits | Elective |
| Lay up rubber lining or lag pulleys | Elective |
| Observe permit work | Elective |
| Operate a drain cleaning system | Elective |
| Operate a high pressure water jetting system | Elective |
| Operate a hydro excavation system | Elective |
| Operate a vacuum loading system | Elective |
| Operate as a team member to conduct manufacturing, engineering or related activities | Elective |
| Operate breathing apparatus | Elective |
| Operate fixed/moveable load shifting equipment | Elective |
| Operate in a self-directed team | Elective |
| Operate mobile load shifting equipment | Elective |
| Operate portable vulcanising equipment | Elective |
| Order materials | Elective |
| Organise on-site work | Elective |
| Perform advanced operation of load shifting equipment | Elective |
| Perform emergency first aid | Elective |
| Perform inspection | Elective |
| Perform operational maintenance of machines/equipment | Elective |
| Prepare surfaces by abrasive blasting (advanced) | Elective |
| Prepare surfaces by abrasive blasting (basic) | Elective |
| Prepare surfaces for coating | Elective |
| Prepare surfaces using solvents and/or mechanical means | Elective |
| Pre-treat work for subsequent surface coating | Elective |
| Produce powder coated products | Elective |
| Purchase materials | Elective |
| Select and control inspection processes and procedures | Elective |
| Treat corrosion | Elective |
| Undertake dogging | Elective |
| Undertake manual handling | Elective |
| Use comparison and basic measuring devices | Elective |
| Use hand tools | Elective |
| Use high pressure water jetting equipment | Elective |
| Use improvement processes in team activities | Elective |
| Use power tools/hand held operations | Elective |
| Use structured problem-solving tools | Elective |
| Vulcanise products using an autoclave | Elective |
| Work in accordance with an issued permit | Elective |
| Work safely with industrial chemicals and materials | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Surface Preparation and Coating Application sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
-
Sheetmetal Trades Worker
ANZSCO 322211
Sheetmetal Trades Workers mark out, shape, form and join sheetmetal and other materials to make products and components.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Industrial Spraypainter
ANZSCO 711211
Industrial Spraypainters operate spray painting equipment to paint and apply other industrial coatings to manufactured items (Vehicle Painters are shown separately).
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Sand Blaster
ANZSCO 711913
Sand Blasters operate sandblasting machines to clean and grind metal products and other hard surfaces.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Surface Preparation and Coating Application
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
-
AIMPOINT (RTO code 45936)
Contact this provider
-
Best Option Training (RTO code 41246)
Contact this provider
-
National Skills Pty Ltd (RTO code 45438)
Contact this provider
-
TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.