At a glance
Establish your career in the water industry with this entry-level course and become a wastewater treatment plant operator.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
COURSE OUTCOME
NWP30315 Certificate III in Water Industry Treatment (Wastewater)
Course overview
Break ground on a career in water industry treatment with this entry-level course. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to work as plant operator with a specialisation in wastewater treatment. This growing industry is expected to have up to 10,000 job openings over the next five years.
This course will give you the practical skills and knowledge needed to monitor, operate and control treatment processes within a wastewater treatment plant. You will also develop a range of transferable knowledge and skills in workplace health and safety, risk management, and customer service. Our experienced staff will give you the one-on-one help you need to succeed.
Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a wastewater treatment plant operator. You will also gain the basic knowledge and skills needed to advance your career by completing further studies in this field.
Your years of industry experience count for something. Through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process we can help you fill in your gaps in knowledge to upgrade your qualifications faster.
At TAFE Queensland we believe in providing quality pathways to further education opportunities. Give yourself the best chance to continue to grow with further study options that will open up more employment opportunities.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 9 elective units from the list below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| BSBCMM301 |
Process customer complaints | |
| BSBCUS301 |
Deliver and monitor a service to customers | |
| BSBWHS303 |
Participate in WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control | |
| BSBWOR301 |
Organise personal work priorities and development | |
| CPCCCM1015A |
Carry out measurements and calculations | |
| NWPGEN008 |
Sample and test wastewater | |
| NWPGEN009 |
Perform laboratory testing | |
| NWPGEN011 |
Use maps, plans, drawings and specifications | |
| NWPSOU001 |
Respond to blue-green algae outbreaks | |
| NWPSOU003 |
Identify and confirm blue-green algae | |
| NWPTRT033 |
Operate and control DAF processes | |
| NWPTRT041 |
Operate and control granular media filters | |
| NWPTRT043 |
Operate and control membrane filters | |
| NWPTRT052 |
Operate and control hypochlorite disinfection processes | |
| NWPTRT053 |
Operate and control UV processes | |
| NWPTRT061 |
Operate and control wastewater processes | |
| NWPTRT072 |
Operate and control odour removal processes | |
| NWPTRT081 |
Operate and control activated sludge processes | |
| NWPTRT082 |
Operate and control nutrient removal processes | |
| NWPTRT083 |
Operate and control aerobic bioreactor processes | |
| NWPTRT091 |
Operate and control solids handling processes | |
| NWPTRT092 |
Operate and control digestion processes | |
| NWPTRT101 |
Operate and control lagoon processes | |
| RIISAM204D |
Operate small plant and equipment | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more
What you need to know about apprenticeships and traineeships
Eligibility
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).
COST
Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.
Get In touch
Find out how we can tailor a training package specifically for you.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways
Payment options
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Upfront payment
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Important Information
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Selection criteria
- Sound Achievement in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent is recommended.
- You must be employed in the water industry to be able to complete the mandatory on-the-job component for each unit.
Resources required
Materials list: Hammer, MJ, Hammer, MJ Junior 2008, Water and Waste Water Technology, 7th Edition, Prentice Hall (available from Queensland Textbook Warehouse, or by calling 1800 611 300.
Need to know
Replacement Program
This program has been replaced by NWP30219 - Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, as of 3 February 2020. Please note: a 12 month transition period, from this date, applies to enable current students to complete their study. If required, enrolment will be transitioned into the replacement qualification.
Assessment Methods
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
How to apply
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways 