Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program

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.

In addition, you must:

be 21 years of age or older
have a minimum 3 year's 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.

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.

Skilled migrants

If you obtained your trade experience and/or qualification overseas, you must meet the TPEW eligibility criteria, including a minimum of three years’ total employment in the trade, with at least 12 months undertaken in Australia. If you don't meet the Smart and Skilled residency requirements, but meet all other TPEW eligibility criteria, the department may, at its discretion, approve participation in the program.
This discretion may be applied on a case-by-case basis, including consideration of whether there is no suitable alternative pathway, or as part of a separate policy stream, should the TPEW program be expanded.

How the program works

Contact a TPEW training provider (provider) offering a relevant qualification to express your interest and confirm your eligibility to participate in the program.
The provider will consider your eligibility, including work experience and skills that could be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) towards the qualification.
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.
You will then enrol to undertake the qualification.
The provider will deliver gap training and RPL assessment as per the qualification requirements.
You successfully complete the qualification through RPL and gap training to attain the qualification.

Key dates

Students need to enrol by 31 August 2026 and commence training by 30 September 2026.
All training under the TPEW program must be completed by 31 May 2027.

Benefits for individuals

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.

Benefits for businesses

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.