The Albanese Labor Government will help up to 6,000 experienced trade workers gain free, nationally recognised qualifications to strengthen the workforce building the homes and infrastructure Australia needs – with New South Wales among the first states to take part.
The Australian Government is investing $78 million over three years to establish the Advanced Entry Trades Training (AETT) program, with enrolments expected to open from late 2026.
The program will roll out nationally, with New South Wales one of the first states to sign on.
AETT is modelled on the successful NSW Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program, which provides experienced workers with a pathway to have their existing skills recognised towards formal trade qualifications.
Experienced workers in residential housing and civil construction, such as labourers, trades assistants and plant operators, will have access to a free, faster pathway to nationally recognised vocational education and training qualifications.
The program will build on workers’ existing on-the-job skills, providing opportunities for career progression, greater mobility and pathways to further training.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be used to assess skills, knowledge and experience gained on the job, with gap training then provided where required to help workers complete relevant qualifications.
Training may cover areas such as:
- Carpentry;
- Rigging;
- Crane operations;
- Tiling;
- Surveying;
- Construction design; and
- Site management.
TAFEs and other high-quality Registered Training Organisations will deliver the required training and assessments, allowing eligible workers to gain recognition for skills they already possess and complete remaining training requirements more quickly.
The program is aimed at experienced workers, with the NSW Trade Pathways model currently requiring participants to have at least three years of relevant work experience. Under the NSW program, RPL is assessed first before a training plan is developed to address any remaining competency gaps.
The NSW Government has confirmed that the next round of its Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program will be supported through the Australian Government’s AETT program. Details on participating training providers, eligible qualifications and application dates are being finalised.
National program settings have been developed following consultation with state and territory governments, Jobs and Skills Australia, Jobs and Skills Councils, unions and industry representatives.
The AETT program forms part of broader efforts to address construction skills shortages and complements initiatives including:
- Free TAFE;
- The Key Apprenticeship Program; and
- The Building Women’s Careers program.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said:
“Today, we’re kickstarting the commitment we made to establish the Advanced Entry Trades Training Program, and back in workers who have the right skills for the job, but need that extra help to get the formal qualification they need.
“This program recognises the expertise they’ve already developed and helps them gain nationally recognised qualifications faster.
“For a long time industry and skills stakeholders have called for greater recognition of existing skills and alternative pathways to formal trade qualifications – our Government has listened and is taking action.”
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“I couldn’t be prouder to see New South Wales once again leading the country in tackling skills shortages, and supporting more people to get the qualifications that match their skills.
“Our Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program has shown that this approach works – it delivers real support to workers and gets more people playing a part in building the homes and infrastructure we need.
“The Minns Labor Government is pleased to now be partnering with the Albanese Government to roll out even more of these opportunities.”
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