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Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program

Applications for this round of the program funded under the Housing Policy Program Construction Workforce Package have now closed. All students currently approved to participate in the program will need to enrol by 11 September 2026 and commence training by 30 September 2026.

The NSW Department of Education in partnership with the Australian Government has announced an expansion of this program to support additional student places until June 2029, funded under the Australian Government’s Advanced Entry Trade Training (AETT) program.

Further details will be available shortly including which training providers are participating and which qualifications are supported.

If you missed out on applying this round and would like to be notified of the expanded program, please register your interest.

Get upskilled today

Have you been working in the building and construction sector but never completed your trade qualification?

The Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers (TPEW) Program allows certain skills and work experience to be recognised towards a trade qualification. Find out if your industry experience counts.

The program is fully funded by the NSW government, so start today.

Am I eligible?

To take part you must meet the Smart and Skilled eligibility requirements.

  • be 21 years of age or older
  • have a minimum 3 years' work experience (with at least 12 months' experience working in Australia) in the trade that you wish to undertake training
  • be currently working in the industry associated with the qualification you wish to undertake or have worked in the industry within the last 5 years
  • not be a current apprentice or trainee or, if a cancelled apprentice, cancellation must have occurred more than 6 months prior to enrolment in the program.
  • be capable of achieving a minimum 3 units of competency as recognition of prior learning (RPL) by 30 June 2028.


Note: if you wish to undertake:

  • a Manufacturing and Engineering or Electrotechnology qualification, you must currently be working in the related industry
  • an Energy Supply Industry (ESI) qualification, you must already hold the UEE30820 (Certificate III in Electrotechnology- Electrician) trade or equivalent.

How the program works

  1. Contact a TPEW training provider (provider) offering a relevant qualification to express your interest and confirm your eligibility to participate in the program.
  2. The provider will consider your eligibility, including work experience and skills that could be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) towards the qualification.
  3. If successful, the provider will develop a training plan that outlines the Units of Competency to be delivered through RPL assessment and, if required, as gap training.
  4. You will then enrol to undertake the qualification.
  5. The provider will deliver gap training and RPL assessment as per the qualification requirements.
  6. You successfully complete the qualification through RPL and gap training to attain the qualification.

Key dates

We are finalising details for the next round of TPEW supported by the Australian Government’s Advanced Entry Trade Training program. We will soon update this page with important dates, including when the program opens and when students can apply. Please check back regularly for the latest information.

What are the benefits?

  • Participate for free
    Qualifications completed through the program are fully funded by the NSW Government.
  • Gain transferable skills
    Eligible trade workers who complete a trade qualification gain new skills that are recognised and can be used anywhere in Australia.
  • Increase your employability
    There is a high demand for skilled trade workers. You can potentially increase your financial stability, job prospects and employability by participating in the TPEW program and completing a course qualification.
  • Progress to a trade licence
    Some qualifications can help you to apply for a NSW Certificate of Proficiency or trade licence.


This program helps organisations upskill their workforce, address skills shortages and meet industry demands. Employees can have their industry experience recognised towards a trade qualification which helps both the individual and the organisation.

  • Upskill your employees for free
    Qualifications completed through the program are fully funded by the NSW Government.
  • Increase the capability of your business
    Qualified staff means increased capacity, resilience and productivity of your business.
  • Increase the number of trade-qualified supervisors
    Employ more apprentices and trainees at your organisation.
  • Retain and develop your staff
    Upskilling your staff means they can be promoted or take on higher duties, giving them greater career progression within your organisation.
Feedback from previous participants

“This is an easy and accessible pathway for the business and employee to recognise the experience they have.”
Business Manager, Fine Edge Additions

Contact us

For enquiries about the Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program, email: TPEW@det.nsw.edu.au.

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