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 individuals such as drillers who perform tasks involving a broad range of skilled applications applied in a wide variety of contexts, which may involve application of some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services and/or contingency measures.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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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 operational maintenance | Core |
| Communicate information | Core |
| Identify and minimise environmental hazards | Core |
| Maintain workplace safety | Core |
| Respond to local emergencies and incidents | Core |
| Run on-site operations | Core |
| Set up and prepare for drilling operations | Core |
| Apply blow out prevention operational procedures | Elective |
| Apply effective coal seam gas control practices | Elective |
| Carry out well control and blow out prevention operations | Elective |
| Collect routine site samples | Elective |
| Conduct coil tube drilling | Elective |
| Conduct continuous flight auger drilling | Elective |
| Conduct conventional core drilling | Elective |
| Conduct cyber chair drilling operations | Elective |
| Conduct down-hole hammer drilling | Elective |
| Conduct grouting or cementing operations | Elective |
| Conduct guided boring | Elective |
| Conduct horizontal directional drilling | Elective |
| Conduct large diameter auger drilling | Elective |
| Conduct mud rotary drilling operations | Elective |
| Conduct raise boring | Elective |
| Conduct reaming | Elective |
| Conduct reverse circulation drilling operations | Elective |
| Conduct rotary air drilling | Elective |
| Conduct sonic drilling operations | Elective |
| Conduct surface blast hole drilling operations | Elective |
| Conduct surface directional drilling | Elective |
| Conduct surface shotfiring operations | Elective |
| Conduct telescopic materials handler operations | Elective |
| Conduct top-hole hammer drilling | Elective |
| Conduct underground development shotfiring | Elective |
| Conduct underground in-seam directional drilling | Elective |
| Conduct underground production shotfiring | Elective |
| Conduct wheel loader operations | Elective |
| Conduct wireline core drilling | Elective |
| Construct monitoring bores | Elective |
| Construct multiple aquifer production bores | Elective |
| Construct single aquifer bores | Elective |
| Control micro tunnelling and pipe-jacking operations | Elective |
| Enter and work in confined spaces | Elective |
| Install and operate water and gas control equipment | Elective |
| Install product pipe | Elective |
| Install underground in-seam directional drilling standpipes | Elective |
| Operate and maintain a four wheel drive vehicle | Elective |
| Provide Advanced First Aid | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provide work skill instruction | Elective |
| Respond to work site incidents | Elective |
| Store, handle and transport explosives | Elective |
| Support shotfiring operations | Elective |
| Support underground shotfiring operations | Elective |
| Track directional boring operations | Elective |
| Work safely at heights | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Drilling Operations sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Driller
ANZSCO 712211
Drillers assemble, position and operate drilling rigs and related equipment, to extract ore, liquids or gases from the earth.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Shot Firer
ANZSCO 712213
Shot Firers assemble, position and detonate explosives at mining or demolition sites.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Driller's Assistant
ANZSCO 821912
Drillers' Assistants perform routine tasks in setting up, operating and dismantling drilling sites for extraction of oil, gas, mineral ore or water.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Drilling Operations
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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ACA Training (RTO code 52924)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Australasian Drilling Institute Pty Ltd (RTO code 31440)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Academy of Career Training (RTO code 30657)
Contact this provider
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Advanced Mine Performance Training Services Pty Ltd (RTO code 51822)
Contact this provider
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AUSTRALIAN TRAINING MANAGEMENT (RTO code 2431)
Contact this provider
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Axxis Training (RTO code 41392)
Contact this provider
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CIVIL TRAINED PTY LTD (RTO code 22585)
Contact this provider
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Competency and Compliance Solutions Pty Ltd (RTO code 41060)
Contact this provider
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eHealth Education (RTO code 32279)
Contact this provider
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Halo Nation Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 32485)
Contact this provider
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INDUSTRY SKILLS SOLUTIONS (RTO code 45974)
Contact this provider
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Infrastructure Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 45727)
Contact this provider
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Pipeline Training Australia (RTO code 91431)
Contact this provider
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PM SQUARED (RTO code 41304)
Contact this provider
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Servitium Group Pty Ltd (RTO code 41356)
Contact this provider
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SkillPath (RTO code 41351)
Contact this provider
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STRATEGIC CORPORATE TRAINING PTY LTD (RTO code 91576)
Contact this provider
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TECTRA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 40889)
Contact this provider
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Trainwest (RTO code 51807)
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.