Certificate III in Food Processing
FBP30121
Certificate III in Food Processing - FBP30121
Course Overview
Learn the skills to become a qualified Food Production Operator with the Certificate III in Food Processing from GOTAFE.
This course equips graduates to seek work as operators in a food processing environment, who oversee all or part of a processing plant and related equipment. Indivduals in this industry are required to work autonomously, use judgement, interpret information, and apply solutions to routine and non-routine problems.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
This course will prepare graduates with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in:
- Production Support
- Food Production
- Packaging Operations
- Machine Operations
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Online Campus
(3 commencing soon)
Wine Industry - Open From: 28-Jan-2025 - Traineeship - Part time - Various - Workplace Training & Online Study
Food Processing Trainee - Open From: 28-Jan-2025 - Traineeship - Part time - Various - Workplace Training & Online Study
Workplace Based - Starts On: 21-Jul-2025 - Part time - Various - Workplace Training & Online Study - Applications Close: 30-Jun-2025
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 17 units: 5 core and 12 elective.
Core units
5 unit(s)
- FBPFSY3003 Monitor the implementation of food safety and quality programs
- FBPFSY3004 Participate in traceability activities
- FBPOPR3019 Operate and monitor interrelated processes in a production or packaging system
- FBPOPR3021 Apply good manufacturing practice requirements in food processing
- FBPWHS3001 Contribute to work health and safety processes
Elective units
25 unit(s)
- FBPBPG3012 Operate and monitor a form, fill and seal process
- FBPCEL2001 Perform oak handling activities
- FBPCEL2002 Perform fermentation operations
- FBPCEL2008 Carry out inert gas handling operations
- FBPCEL3005 Operate the pressing process
- FBPFSY3002 Participate in a HACCP team
- FBPOPR2068 Operate a process control interface
- FBPOPR2069 Use numerical applications in the workplace
- FBPOPR2071 Provide and apply workplace information
- FBPOPR2088 Operate pumping equipment
- FBPOPR2089 Operate a production process
- FBPOPR2094 Clean equipment in place
- FBPOPR2095 Clean and sanitise equipment
- FBPOPR3004 Set up a production or packaging line for operation
- FBPOPR3007 Operate a bulk liquid transfer process
- FBPOPR3009 Participate in sensory analyses
- FBPOPR3010 Operate and monitor a filtration process
- FBPOPR3011 Operate and monitor a heat treatment process
- FBPOPR3013 Operate and monitor an homogenising process
- FBPOPR3016 Operate and monitor a separation process
- FBPPPL3003 Participate in improvement processes
- FBPPPL3006 Report on workplace performance
- FBPTEC3001 Apply raw materials, ingredient and process knowledge to production problems
- HLTWHS005 Conduct manual tasks safely
- MSL973013 Perform basic tests
Attendance & commitment
Traineeship/workplace online delivery | 1.5 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend a 2-hour virtual class one day per week (for 57 weeks).
- Spend approximately 2 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year to undertake workplace practical training and assessments.
- Consolidate their learning in their workplace.
- Attend regular catch-ups with their trainer, timing is arranged directly with the trainer.
Traineeship online delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend a 1.5-hour virtual class once per week.
- Spend approximately 6 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year.
- Consolidate their learning in the workplace.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Workplace observations
- Projects
- Portfolios
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
- All applicants must be employed in the food processing industry to complete the practical requirements of this course.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop with internet access.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - covers the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session, induction session, or during the pre-training review interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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