Mobile Plant Operator (WA)

Education and Training:

You can work as a mobile plant operator without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a mobile plant operator through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Civil Construction Plant Operations, Surface Extraction Operations or Transport and Logistics (Mobile Crane Operations). Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

Additional Information:

Industry standards often require mobile plant operators to hold a licence to Perform High Risk Work, issued by the Department of Commerce, WorkSafe Division. To gain a licence, you will need to register with an approved Registered Training Organisation and work under the supervision of a licensed operator, and keep an approved logbook to record competencies achieved during training. Assessment by an independent assessor will then be required. You will need to be at least 18 years of age to obtain a licence.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In WA, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by the Department of Commerce, WorkSafe Division.

Contact the Department of Commerce, WorkSafe Division for details of Registered Training Organisations authorised to deliver training and assessment.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Resources and Infrastructure or Transport and Logistics Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Major employers include earthmoving and civil construction contractors, private developers, mining and minerals processing companies and government authorities. Work projects vary in size and location. Sites may be located in the city, suburbs or country and are sometimes in remote areas. Employment in the public sector has declined due to a trend towards contracting out earthmoving work to private firms.

Some plant operators may own and operate equipment on a contract hire basis, although the cost of equipment is high.