The path you select to become a skilled plant operator will depend on your individual circumstances and the outcome that is required. If you are employed you can get a plant operator qualification through on the job training and assessment in an individual item of plant. You can also become a plant operator with all of the underpinning civil construction skills through a traineeship or apprenticeship (also known as Australian Apprenticeship).
Traineeships/apprenticeships involve a combination of on and off the job training. At this stage there is no educational pre-requisite required to enter into a traineeship/apprenticeship but usually you will have completed a minimum of Year 10.
The formal qualification upon completion is Certificate III in Civil Construction (Plant Operations). This is a nationally recognized qualification. For more information on training and job pathways click here. If you are not employed in the industry you could undertake a course in plant operation and be assessed to meet any regulatory requirement. There are special rules and regulations for plant operation and age limits apply. As the requirements vary from state to state you will need to seek further information on the regulations that apply in your state or territory.
For more information on training and job pathways click here.