Develop the Skills to Safely Operate Steam Turbines in Industrial Settings
The Licence to Operate a Steam Turbine (UEPOPL004) course provides the knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate steam turbine systems used for power generation and industrial processes. The course focuses on the operation of steam turbines and associated equipment, including governors, lubrication systems, condensers, cooling systems, and control systems.
By the end of the course, you'll be confident in starting, operating, monitoring, and shutting down steam turbine systems, responding to abnormal and emergency conditions, conducting routine operational checks, and maintaining compliance with WHS, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
This nationally-recognised course is suited to workers in power generation, manufacturing, mining, processing, and heavy industrial environments where steam turbines are used to produce mechanical or electrical energy.
Course Delivery
Face-to-Face training
Course Duration
4-5 days
Course Outcome
Locations
17+ training centres across Queensland and Western Australia
Course Fee
Fees vary depending on location (see table below)
Afterpay available
Licence to Operate a Steam Turbine - Course Information
The Licence to Operate a Steam Turbine - UEPOPL004 course provides comprehensive training for operators of industrial steam turbines. You’ll develop both practical and theoretical skills needed to safely operate turbine systems, monitor performance, troubleshoot faults, and implement emergency procedures.
A steam turbine is defined as equipment driven by steam acting on a turbine or rotor to produce rotary motion. This course covers the operation of any steam turbine (except those producing less than 500 kW) and includes turbines that:
Are multi-wheeled
Operate at speeds greater than 3600 rpm
Use attached condensers
Include a multi-staged heat exchange extraction process
You’ll learn about:
Turbine Types & Components: Understand steam turbine types, components, auxiliaries, lubrication and cooling systems, and control systems.
Operation & Control: Perform start-up, normal operation, shutdown, and turbine load management. Interpret control panels, indicators, and gauges to maintain safe and efficient operation.
Monitoring & Diagnostics: Monitor turbine performance, detect abnormal conditions, troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues, and apply corrective actions.
Water & Steam Management: Understand steam generation, feedwater systems, condensate return, and the impact of water/steam quality on turbine performance.
Safety, WHS & Emergency Response: Apply WHS and legislative requirements, respond to abnormal turbine conditions, conduct emergency shutdowns, and implement isolation procedures safely.
Communication & Reporting: Record operational data, report faults, and follow workplace procedures to ensure compliance with organisational and safety standards.
By the end of the course, you’ll be confident in the operation and maintenance of steam turbines in accordance with workplace and industry safety requirements.
Course delivery and assessment
Due to the high-risk nature of turbine operation, the Licence to Operate a Steam Turbine course is delivered face-to-face over five full days. You’ll gain hands-on experience in a controlled environment, building both confidence and competence while receiving direct guidance and personalised feedback from experienced trainers throughout the course.
High Risk Work Licences
After successfully completing this course, you can apply for your High Risk Work Licence (HRWL). You have 60 days from course completion to submit your application. HRWLs are valid for five years and can be applied for or renewed online via the WorkSafe QLD or WorkSafe WA websites. If your licence expires, you are no longer recognised as a licensed operator until it is renewed. WorkSafe provides a 12-month grace period for renewal; if this period passes, you will need to resit both the written and practical assessments.
If you are one of our corporate clients, we can apply for the licence on your behalf for an additional fee of $160 (which includes the WorkSafe fee).
For those looking to refresh their skills and stay current with the latest safety and compliance standards, Civil Safety offers a range of high-risk refresher courses.
Who should complete this course?
This course is ideal for workers required to operate steam turbines or who are progressing into advanced plant or energy operations roles.
Ideal for:
Steam turbine operators in industrial plants
Plant operators in energy generation or processing facilities
Mechanical or maintenance technicians supporting turbine systems
Utilities operators in manufacturing, mining, or power generation
Workers upgrading from boiler operation to turbine operation
Perfect for those looking to expand technical skills, comply with WHS and operational requirements, or move into higher-level plant operation roles.
Course outcomes
Completing this qualification can lead to specialist roles such as:
Manufacturing & Processing: Turbine operator, plant technician, production operator, shift operator
Energy & Utilities: Power station turbine operator, utilities operator, steam generation technician, water treatment plant worker
Maintenance & Industrial Services: Mechanical fitter, industrial maintenance technician, shutdown technician, turbine services operator
Mining & Resources: Process plant turbine operator, utilities technician, high-pressure steam operator
Entry requirements
You must satisfy each of the following criteria to enrol in this course:
You must be at least 18 years old (a requirement for High Risk Work Licences)
Wear steel-capped or safety boots to your session and PPE.
Basic computer skills and internet access (for enrolment and communication).
Sufficient language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) skills to complete assessments.
A valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) - mandatory for all nationally recognised training. If you don’t have one, you can apply at usi.gov.au or we can assist.
Support when you need it
Throughout the duration of your course, you can access experienced industry professionals and support staff to guide you through the program. Our trainers are dedicated to helping you succeed and will be available to answer your questions and provide feedback on your progress. They will provide you with the guidance and support you need to fully understand the course material, as well as offer suggestions for further learning opportunities.
Related Courses to Further Your Career
“The steam turbine course was really practical. The trainer explained complex systems clearly, and the hands-on exercises gave me the confidence to operate turbines safely in my workplace.”
Course FAQs
Fees vary depending on location - you can view specific location fees in the table above.
Unfortunately, there is no funding available for this course. Please visit our funding page to explore our range of funding options and eligible courses.
This course is delivered face-to-face over 4-5 days.
Yes, you must satisfy each of the following criteria to enrol in this course:
Must be at least 18 years old
Wear steel-capped or safety boots to your session and PPE
Basic computer skills and internet access (for enrolment and communication)
Sufficient language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) skills to complete assessments
A valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) - mandatory for all nationally recognised training. If you don’t have one, you can apply at usi.gov.au or we can assist.
After successfully completing this course, you can apply for your High Risk Work Licence (HRWL). You have 60 days from course completion to submit your application. HRWLs are valid for five years and can be applied for or renewed online via the WorkSafe QLD or WorkSafe WA websites. If your licence expires, you are no longer recognised as a licensed operator until it is renewed. WorkSafe provides a 12-month grace period for renewal; if this period passes, you will need to resit both the written and practical assessments.
If you are one of our corporate clients, we can apply for the licence on your behalf for an additional fee of $160 (which includes the WorkSafe fee).
Your SOA will be issued within 3-5 business days of successfully completing the course and receiving payment.
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