How AWCC’s Turbo Cert II Paved the Way for the Revolutionary Turbo Cert III
When the Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) first launched the Turbo Cert II Program in February 2024, it marked the first time in 27 years that the organisation had designed and implemented a brand-new training program from the ground up. This bold step was taken in response to a growing industry need: a faster, smarter, and more efficient way to prepare new starters in the Oil & Gas Drilling and Well Servicing sectors across Brisbane, Toowoomba, and regional Queensland.
Meeting Industry Needs with Turbo Cert II
Eighteen months later, the Turbo Cert II Program has become an award-winning success story, widely recognised as the new standard for entry-level drilling and well servicing training. Supported by nearly every Drilling Contractor in Queensland, the program’s innovative approach has helped redefine how new workers enter the industry.
So much so, that many Drilling Contractor job advertisements now list holding a RII21120 Certificate II in Oil & Gas Drilling (Onshore) and Well Servicing as a preferred qualification — a clear testament to AWCC’s positive influence on workforce standards and safety culture.
Listening to Graduates and Industry
The overwhelming success of Turbo Cert II naturally sparked the next question from graduates and employers alike: “What’s next?”
Recognising this demand, AWCC saw the need to create a learning pathway that would allow current field workers and industry professionals to continue their studies efficiently, without compromising on the quality and rigour that has become synonymous with AWCC.
Rather than taking shortcuts, AWCC committed to developing a Turbo Cert III Program that would match, and exceed, industry expectations for advanced Oil & Gas Drilling and Well Servicing training.
The Challenges Behind Turbo Cert III
Creating Turbo Cert III has been no small task. Unlike its predecessor, this advanced program had to combine two separate nationally recognised qualifications —
- RII32020 Certificate III in Drilling Oil & Gas (Onshore), and
- RII32220 Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations —
into a single, time-efficient, and cost-effective training pathway.
Certificate III-level training is not designed for new starters. It includes specialised knowledge such as:
- Oil and Gas Well Control,
- Rig Drilling Fluids Transfer,
- Chemical Additives for Drilling Fluids, and
- Maintenance of Mud Cleaning Equipment.
To meet these advanced requirements, AWCC had to design and construct a one-of-a-kind training simulator capable of delivering hands-on, nationally accredited practical training. This initiative has led to the creation of Australia’s only Oil and Gas Fluids Transfer Unit — purpose-built by AWCC specifically for Certificate III training.
Unmatched Investment and Innovation
AWCC’s commitment to this project has been extraordinary. Over $150,000 has been invested into upgrading all Well Control Simulation Units and developing a comprehensive set of clustered training resources. These resources are carefully mapped to cover all elements and performance criteria of both Certificate III qualifications — offering one streamlined Turbo Cert III Program that provides full coverage at a significantly reduced cost for students and employers alike.
To achieve this, AWCC collaborated with international service providers to upgrade simulator capabilities and oversee the construction of the Fluids Transfer Unit (FTU).
- The new Well Control Simulators arrived in September 2025, marking another milestone in AWCC’s capability enhancement.
- The Fluids Transfer Unit (FTU) is expected to arrive in early November 2025, completing the final piece of this ambitious, world-class training system.
Commitment Beyond Compliance
Since industry training became mandatory in 1997, no other Registered Training Organisation (RTO) has undertaken such a comprehensive, technically demanding, and financially significant project.
AWCC’s success comes not from self-promotion, but from a deep commitment to industry safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. Our team’s expertise in Well Control, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering has allowed us to create a training ecosystem that genuinely supports the growth and development of Australia’s drilling workforce.
From Brisbane to Toowoomba and across Queensland’s resource regions, AWCC remains dedicated to equipping workers with the skills, safety mindset, and technical knowledge that keep our industry strong — and our people safe.
The Future of Drilling Training Starts Here
The upcoming launch of Turbo Cert III represents more than a new qualification; it’s the next step in raising the bar for drilling and well servicing education. Through years of research, collaboration, and unwavering dedication, AWCC has demonstrated what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
By investing in both people and technology, we’re helping ensure a sustainable, skilled, and safety-focused workforce for generations to come.
Stay Tuned for Updates
This story is only just beginning. The Turbo Cert III Program is set to redefine advanced training in the oil and gas sector, and we’re excited to share every milestone with our community.
AWCC will feature this as the lead article in our upcoming newsletter series and will provide regular progress updates on the rollout of this landmark project over the coming months.
Stay connected with us for the latest news, behind-the-scenes insights, and updates on training opportunities across Brisbane, Toowoomba, and the wider Queensland drilling industry.
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