Certificate III in Civil Construction

Civil construction is the trade of building the infrastructure around us: roads, bridges, drainage, pipelines and bulk earthworks. Certificate III in Civil Construction (RII30926) is the nationally recognised qualification, completed as an apprenticeship. 1300apprentice employs you, places you with a host employer and pays you to learn on the job. Explore building and construction apprenticeships.

Develop the hands-on abilities required to launch your career in the fast-moving civil construction sector. Gain a broad foundation, qualify as a civil construction worker, and play a role in building Australia’s future infrastructure.

Qualification

RII30926 Certificate III in Civil Construction. Nationally recognised. Typically completed over a 3 year apprenticeship of paid on-the-job work plus off-the-job training.

What you learn

• Read and interpret plans and job specifications
• Follow work health and safety policies, procedures and risk-management requirements
• Carry out measurements and calculations and, depending on the selected units, basic levelling and set-out
• Install and maintain pipelines, drainage systems and civil structures relevant to the chosen specialisation
• Handle civil construction materials and undertake concrete work where included in the selected units
• Use hand and power tools, operate small plant machinery and equipment, and support plant and traffic-management activities

Entry requirements

• No formal prerequisites; a practical, outdoors, hands-on aptitude helps
• Employment as an apprentice (1300apprentice can employ and place you)
• A Unique Student Identifier (USI) and a White Card before site work
• Open to school leavers, mature-age career changers and school-based apprentices

Civil construction vs civil engineering

Civil construction is the hands-on trade that builds infrastructure on site, entered through an apprenticeship and Certificate III (RII30926). Civil engineering is a university degree focused on designing that infrastructure. If you want to build rather than design, the apprenticeship is your pathway. For the trades that support engineering projects, see engineering apprenticeships.

What you earn

Civil construction apprentices are paid award wages that increase with each year of the apprenticeship, so you earn while you learn rather than paying course fees. Adult apprentice rates may apply if you are 21 or over. See indicative rates on our apprentice wages page.

Career outcomes

• Civil construction worker across roadworks, drainage and bulk earthworks
• Pipelayer, concreter or plant operator (with further tickets)
• Pathway to leading hand, supervisor and civil contracting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a civil construction apprenticeship?

A civil construction apprenticeship is paid, on-the-job training towards RII30926 Certificate III in Civil Construction, the nationally recognised qualification for building roads, drainage, pipelines and earthworks.

How long does a civil construction apprenticeship take?

A civil construction apprenticeship usually takes 3 years, combining paid work on site with off-the-job training. The exact length depends on your progress and competency.

What is the difference between civil construction and civil engineering?

Civil construction is the hands-on trade that builds infrastructure on site, entered through an apprenticeship and Certificate III. Civil engineering is a university degree focused on designing that infrastructure.

How much do civil construction apprentices get paid?

Civil construction apprentices are paid award wages that rise each year of the apprenticeship, so you earn while you learn. Adult apprentice rates may apply if you are 21 or over. See our apprentice wages page for indicative rates.

What are the entry requirements for a civil construction apprenticeship?

There are no formal prerequisites to begin a civil construction apprenticeship. You need to be ready for outdoors, hands-on work. 1300apprentice can employ you and place you with a host employer.

What jobs can I do after Certificate III in Civil Construction?

Once you have completed your civil construction qualification you can move into roadworks, drainage, pipelaying, concreting and plant operation, and can progress to leading hand, supervisor or civil contractor.