The Federal Government has announced a new Advanced Entry Trades Training (AETT) program for experienced workers in residential housing and civil construction.
The program is designed to help experienced workers in residential housing and civil construction gain nationally recognised qualifications through non-traditional pathways. Enrolments are due to commence in late 2026, with New South Wales signing on as the first state to deliver the program under the expansion of an existing program (see details below), and is expected to run until 30 June 2028.
The program provides access to qualifications at Certificate III level and above by recognising the skills, knowledge and experience workers have already developed on the job. Participants will have their existing capabilities assessed through recognition of prior learning, with any identified skills gaps addressed through targeted training before qualification completion.
Delivery of the program will be managed by states and territories through TAFEs and other endorsed registered training organisations with experience in RPL assessment. Training and assessment will be provided at no cost to participants, and qualifications may be completed in substantially less time than a traditional apprenticeship or training pathway.
To be eligible, participants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents with at least three years of relevant industry experience, including at least 12 months on Australian worksites, and must be currently working in the sector or have done so within the previous two years. Access arrangements, available qualifications and enrolment pathways will be determined by participating states and territories.
For NSW residents and businesses
If you are in NSW and would like to know more about the Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers (TPEW) program, click here.
Please note that while applications for this round of the program funded under the Housing Policy Program Construction Workforce Package have now closed, details for the next round of TPEW supported by the Australian Government’s Advanced Entry Trade Training program will be updated on the website shortly. You can submit an expression of interest here and check your eligibility under the Smart and Skilled Student Eligibility Policy here.
