Engineering, Construction and Mining

About the course

This Certificate III in Mining Exploration will prepare you for work as a pit technician and train you to collect and analyse geological samples, record information, and look after the practical tasks involved in servicing a remote field operation. In addition you will also learn about 4WD driving and maintenance, mining computing, first aid and mining methods. As part of this qualification you will undertake a supervised work placement where you will be able to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned.

This 24 week programme will have several intakes per year, in January, March, July and August and queries about these intakes may be directed to (08) 6211 2137 or (08) 6211 2138. 
Next programme start dates: 15 July & 19 August, 2013

A full Manual Driver's Licence (C-Class) is required for this course, an Automatic only licence is not acceptable. 

View our brochure to see career pathways for our mining geoscience drilling and mineral processing courses.

Where this course can lead you

Western Australia is entering a new resources boom, with massive projects currently in operation and with even more planned, this qualification will provide excellent job opportunities.

Your Certificate III in Mining Exploration prepares you for roles such as:

• Pit Technician

• Geological Field Hand

• Underground Geotechnician

• Exploration Field Assistant

Skills you will gain from this course

Central's mining qualifications provide you with skills that are relevant to current industry trends and practices.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Analyse geological samples

• Record information

• Look after practical tasks involved in servicing a remote field operation

• Drive a 4WD and maintain vehicles

• Understand and use mining computing and methods

• Provide first aid

• Understand mining safety and geology

Your Certificate III in Mining Exploration gives you the skills to begin an exciting career in the resources industry or for further study at Central.

Connected with industry

We ensure our industry partners are involved in the development of our courses and curriculum, so the skills you obtain are relevant in the workforce. You will also get "hands on" underground mining experience in Central's CUT mine, an imitation underground mine built in conjunction with various industry sponsors

Some of our mining industry partners are:

• Barminco

• Hanson

• BHP

Central's focus on industry relevancy means practical course content geared towards getting you a career. It also means you have an opportunity to network with real professionals who could increase your chances of employment during or after study.

Fee information

Domestic students:
The costs for this course for a semester are: $626 or $313 (concession). On top of this there is also a resource cost of $362. The resource fee is an estimate because the amount depends on which units you choose. You will be given the exact amount at enrolment. Find out more about how the costs are determined.

An estimate of the total cost of the course is $988 over the time the course takes to complete.

Paying your fees

You will be  expected to pay your course fees in full at the time of enrolment.

Fees can be paid at our student services offices at any of Central’s campuses. You can also pay by credit card over the phone, however, if you wish to pay by instalments, you will need to make your first payment in person and sign the payment plan terms and conditions.

Assistance may be available for those students experiencing financial hardship.

Find out more details about payment options

International students:
The cost for international students is $ 6000, duration 6 months. You will need to pay for your course fees when you accept your offer and meet all the conditions.

Course Structure

Available Groups

Title: GROUP 01 - CORE UNITS

Description: Central Institute of Technology offer the units listed below. Please note: previously completed units may count towards this qualification. Please discuss with the teaching area to determine eligibility.

Title: GROUP 02 - ELECTIVE UNITS

Description: Complete eleven (11) elective units. Below is an example.

Getting into this course

Entrance Requirements

In order to gain entry into this course you must demonstrate developed maths and communication skills.

This conversion table explains the grades you need to have obtained at a high school level to meet this entry level requirement.

The Application Process

The process for applying for a course at Central depends on whether you are a local or international student and the way that you will be studying: full time, part time, as an apprentice or trainee.

Our future students area of the website includes a handy guide to help you through the process depending on what type of student you are, and how you are planning on studying.

Find out more information about the process to apply, enrol and pay.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Do you have existing skills? Whether obtained through paid or voluntary work, training or other experiences, you may be able to fast track your study by applying for recognition of prior learning, often referred to as RPL.

Find out more here