Turn your industry experience into a trade qualification
The Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers (TPEW) program helps experienced workers in NSW gain a nationally recognised trade qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and targeted gap training. If you have industry experience but no formal qualification, you may be able to fast track your trade certificate by having your existing skills recognised.
The Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program was created to help address skills shortages in NSW by supporting workers who already have valuable industry experience.
The program is ideal for:
- Experienced workers currently employed in a trade
- Workers with on-the-job skills but no formal qualification
- Mature aged workers
- Workers wanting to get qualified in their trade through experience
Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), your existing skills can be assessed and counted toward a nationally recognised qualification.
Trade Pathways - courses available
Through the Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program, eligible workers may complete a Certificate III qualification in their trade area.
Who can apply for Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers in NSW?
To enrol in the Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers (TPEW) program, students must meet the Smart and Skilled eligibility requirements and the following additional criteria at the time of enrolment.
You must:
- Be 21 years of age or older at the time of enrolment
- Have at least three years of work experience in the trade you wish to gain a qualification in, including a minimum of 12 months of work experience in Australia
- Be currently working in the relevant industry, or have worked in that industry within the past five years
- Live or work in NSW
- Not be a current apprentice or trainee (cancelled apprenticeships must have been cancelled more than six months ago)
- Not be enrolled in related Smart and Skilled subsidised training
- Be assessed as capable of achieving at least three Units of Competency through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Student Timeline & Fees
All students need to enrol by 31 August 2026 and commence training by 30 September 2026. All training under the program must be completed by 31 May 2027.
Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers Program is Fee Free and has limited availability, so contact us today to see if you are eligible.
* This training is subsidised by the NSW Government.
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises the skills and knowledge you have gained through work experience, previous training, or informal learning.
Rather than repeating training you already know, your skills are assessed against the units of competency within the qualification.
This allows experienced workers to fast track their trade qualification and only complete training where skills gaps exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I Eligible for Trade Pathways? – Quick Self Check
The Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers (TPEW) program is designed for people who already have industry experience but do not yet hold a formal trade qualification.
Answer the questions below to see if you may be eligible.
You may be a good candidate for the program if you can answer YES to most of these questions:
✔ Are you currently working in a trade or industry role?
✔ Do you have hands-on experience but no formal qualification for the work you do?
✔ Have you learned your skills on the job or through workplace training?
✔ Can you provide evidence of your experience, such as references, work samples, photos, or documentation?
✔ Are you interested in gaining a nationally recognised Certificate III qualification in your trade?
✔ Do you want to fast track your qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) rather than completing a full apprenticeship?
If you answered YES to several of these questions, you may be eligible to complete your qualification through the Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program in NSW.
Our team at Fusion Training Solutions can review your experience, explain the RPL assessment process, and help determine your pathway to qualification.
What evidence can be used for RPL?
When applying for RPL, a variety of documents and workplace evidence may be used to demonstrate your experience.
Examples include:
- Records of previous training or qualifications
- Statements of attainment or transcripts
- Workplace documentation such as job sheets, reports or procedures
- Photos or videos of you performing tasks on site
- Work samples or projects you have completed
- References or verification from employers or supervisors
- A resume outlining your industry experience
Your trainer or assessor will help identify the best evidence to support your RPL assessment.
How does Trade Pathways work?
At Fusion Training Solutions, the process is designed to be straightforward.
Initial Consultation
Our team will discuss your work history, trade experience, and eligibility for the program.
Skills Assessment (RPL Assessment)
Your existing knowledge and skills are assessed through the Recognition of Prior Learning process.
Evidence Review
You provide documentation or workplace evidence to support your RPL application.
Gap Training (If Required)
If some units are not yet achieved, targeted gap training is provided.
Achieve Your Qualification
Once all Units of Competency are completed, you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification.
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process that assesses the skills and knowledge you have gained through work experience, previous training, or informal learning. If your existing skills meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may receive credit towards your trade qualification, helping you complete the course faster.
How does RPL help me get a trade qualification faster?
RPL allows your existing industry skills and experience to be formally assessed. If you can demonstrate competency in certain units, you may not need to complete full training for those units. This can reduce the amount of study required and fast track your pathway to qualification.
What happens if I don’t meet all the requirements through RPL?
If there are areas where further skills or knowledge are required, gap training will be provided. This targeted training focuses only on the units you still need to complete to achieve your nationally recognised qualification.
How do I apply for Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers?
To apply, contact Fusion Training Solutions to discuss your experience and eligibility. Our team will guide you through the RPL assessment process, determine what units you may already meet through experience, and identify any gap training required to complete your qualification.
Contact us today to discuss Trade Pathways!
If you have industry experience but no formal qualification, the Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program could help you fast track your pathway to a nationally recognised trade certificate. Contact us today via registering your interest or fill out the form below or email us direct [email protected].
