3 November 2026 · Stark Institute
Civil construction is one of the fastest ways into steady, well-paid work in Queensland and Victoria. Roads, subdivisions, drainage and infrastructure projects all need people who can run plant and work safely. The catch: most contractors will not put you on a machine or up a structure without proof you have been trained.
The good news is you do not need a full qualification to get started. A few nationally recognised short courses are often enough to get your first start.
The four units employers ask for most
- RIIMPO320F Conduct civil construction excavator operations. Excavators are on almost every civil site. This is the unit most labourers want first.
- RIIMPO318F Conduct civil construction skid steer loader operations. Skid steers do the clean-up, carting and levelling. Many crews want operators who can jump between both machines.
- RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights. Required for work on structures, scaffolds, roofs and anywhere you could fall.
- RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces. Pits, tanks, pipes and trenches. Drainage and water work is full of them.
Each unit is nationally recognised. When you pass, you get a Statement of Attainment you can show any employer in Australia.
Why combos make sense
Booking the units together as a combo costs less than booking them one by one, and you finish in a single block of days. Our Civil Starter Combo, for example, covers excavator, working at heights and confined spaces in four days face to face, after some short online learning at home.
What training looks like
Most of your time is spent on real plant, not in a classroom. You will do pre-start checks, plan the job, operate the machine through set tasks and shut it down safely. Your trainer assesses you while you work. The theory is done online before you arrive, so the days on site are all practical.
Before you book
- Get your USI. You need it before we can issue your certificate.
- Wear steel-capped boots and long pants. We supply the rest of the PPE.
- If you have already done this work for a while, ask about RPL instead of training from scratch.
Ready to start? See all short courses and next dates.
Questions? Call 0485 983 867 or email courseadvisor@stark.edu.au. Book a short course.