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
This qualification reflects the role of a skilled operator performing foundation work in the civil construction industry who applies a broad range of skills in a varied work context, using some discretion and judgement and relevant theoretical knowledge. The individual may provide some theoretical advice and work collaboratively to support a team.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations
Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this qualification can vary between states, territories and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the qualification.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do a traineeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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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:
2 years - Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Through traineeship:
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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 risk management processes | Core |
| Carry out basic levelling | Core |
| Carry out manual excavation | Core |
| Carry out measurements and calculations | Core |
| Communicate in the workplace | Core |
| Control construction site water tables | Core |
| Drain and dewater civil construction sites | Core |
| Handle resources and infrastructure materials and safely dispose of nontoxic materials | Core |
| Identify, locate and protect underground services | Core |
| Operate small plant and equipment | Core |
| Plan and organise work | Core |
| Read and interpret plans and job specifications | Core |
| Spread and compact materials manually | Core |
| Use hand and power tools | Core |
| Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures | Core |
| Conduct basic scaffolding operations | Elective |
| Conduct cast in-situ pilings operations | Elective |
| Conduct earthworks | Elective |
| Conduct erosion and sediment control activities | Elective |
| Conduct local risk control | Elective |
| Conduct pile driving operations | Elective |
| Conduct screw piling operations | Elective |
| Construct and dismantle fences and gates | Elective |
| Construct conservation earthworks | Elective |
| Construct underpinning | Elective |
| Control traffic with stop-slow bat | Elective |
| Cut, weld and bend materials | Elective |
| Direct cast in-situ piling operations | Elective |
| Direct pile driving operations | Elective |
| Enter and work in confined spaces | Elective |
| Implement traffic management plans | Elective |
| Install primary ground supports | Elective |
| Install temporary and permanent rock anchors | Elective |
| Install trench support | Elective |
| Licence to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding basic level | Elective |
| Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more) | Elective |
| Licence to perform dogging | Elective |
| Maintain and monitor site quality standards | Elective |
| Maintain site records | Elective |
| Operate elevating work platform | Elective |
| Perform dogging | Elective |
| Position and set up mobile lighting | Elective |
| Respond to site based spills | Elective |
| Set up and pack up drill sites | Elective |
| Use inclusive work practices | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Civil Foundations sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)
ANZSCO 721211
Earthmoving Plant Operators (General) operate a range of earthmoving plants to assist with building roads, rail, water supplies, dams, treatment plants and agricultural earthworks.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Concreter
ANZSCO 821211
Pour, spread, smooth and finish concrete for construction projects.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education -
Fencer
ANZSCO 821311
Fencers erect and repair fences and gates.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Civil Foundations
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Civil Contractors Federation (RTO code 5708)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Foundation Training Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 31972)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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IPS INSTITUTE (RTO code 32186)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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RudTek Pty Ltd (RTO code 31953)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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CIVIL TRAINED PTY LTD (RTO code 22585)
Contact this provider
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PM SQUARED (RTO code 41304)
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.