PMA30120 Certificate III in Process Plant Operations
Advance your career in process plant operations
This course is part of the Lower fees, local skills initiative. From 1 January 2020 through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession, plus resource fees and other fees that may apply to your course.
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Overview
Campus Bunbury
When All year round
Study Mode Traineeship
Develop advanced skills required to operate and troubleshoot integrated process plant systems in a production environment. You will learn how to monitor and control plant operations, analyse and respond to operational issues, and apply process knowledge to solve both routine and non-routine problems. The course also strengthens your ability to work safely, interpret process data, conduct maintenance tasks, and contribute to continuous improvement in plant operations.
Do you want to learn how to:
- Operate and monitor integrated plant systems and equipment
- Troubleshoot process faults and respond to unexpected issues
- Control and optimise process plant operations
- Interpret process data, schematics and control systems
- Operate and troubleshoot reactors and process control systems
- Conduct hazard analysis and work safely in complex environments
- Prepare, isolate and maintain plant equipment
- Identify and apply process improvements in a production environment
- Use workplace systems to record, monitor and report operational data
Then this is the Course is for you.
To make an informed choice about the suitability of this course, please consider the essential skills and knowledge below. You must:
- Value safety in the workplace for yourself and others
- Be willing to follow emergency procedures and respond appropriately in an emergency
- Have effective communication skills, including English reading and writing
- Have a suitable level of fitness to undertake practical, workplace-based tasks
- Be able to apply problem-solving skills, including troubleshooting complex issues
- Show strong attention to detail when monitoring and analysing process information
- Be able to work effectively as part of a team
- Be able to follow instructions and comply with Work Health and Safety procedures
- Be currently working in, or have access to, a process plant environment
Time Commitment: You will need to allocate appropriate time to complete this course. This includes attending classes on-site and/or online as outlined in the study mode; undertake independent study outside of class hours, including private study, assessment preparation, research and complete assessment requirements.
On average, you should expect to commit around 5 hours per week of independent study in addition to your normal work duties over approximately 2 years.
- Respectful Communication - Interact with people from different backgrounds, share ideas effectively and build trust.
- Teamwork – Collaborate with others, show them respect, and be open to feedback.
- Problem Solving - There is always a solution. How do you respond to a challenge? If you spot a problem, we encourage you to ask questions, clarify as needed, and respond appropriately within your training.
- Initiative - Stay motivated, take proactive steps, and seek help when necessary.
- Planning - Manage time well. Knowing how to prioritise and completing your tasks efficiently are crucial for your success.
- Learning – Recognise what your strengths already are. Then embrace all the new knowledge and experience from your South Regional TAFE journey to grow as a student.
- Technology - Adapt to new tools, access digital resources, and integrate technology into your learning.
Select your preferred campus and apply
All year round, 2026
Details
Units
Core
| National ID | Unit title |
|---|---|
| MSMENV272 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
| MSMSUP100 | Apply workplace context to own job |
| MSMSUP102 | Communicate in the workplace |
| MSMWHS110 | Follow emergency response procedures |
| MSMWHS200 | Work safely |
Elective
| National ID | Unit title |
|---|---|
| MSL952001 | Collect routine site samples |
| MSMPER200 | Work in accordance with an issued permit |
| MSMPER202 | Observe permit work |
| MSMPER205 | Enter confined space |
| MSMSUP101 | Clean workplace or equipment |
| MSMSUP240 | Undertake minor maintenance |
| MSMSUP303 | Identify equipment faults |
| MSMWHS201 | Conduct hazard analysis |
| MSMWHS217 | Gas test atmospheres |
| MSMWHS218 | Control the risks of falls |
| PMAOPS101 | Read dials and indicators |
| PMAOPS201 | Operate fluid flow equipment |
| PMAOPS205 | Operate heat exchangers |
| PMAOPS232 | Operate filtration equipment |
| PMAOPS236 | Monitor continuous process plant |
| PMAOPS246 | Operate separation equipment |
| PMAOPS260 | Conduct screening operations |
| PMAOPS280 | Interpret process plant schematics |
| PMAOPS317 | Undertake ship transfer operations |
| PMAOPS343 | Transfer bulk fluids into/out of storage facility |
| PMASUP244 | Prepare and isolate plant |