Image: Josh Olalde via Unsplash
The Federal Government has announced it will help up to 6,000 experienced trade workers get free, nationally recognised qualifications that strengthen the workforce building the homes and infrastructure Australia needs.
The 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. Experienced workers in residential housing and civil construction, such as labourers, trades assistants and plant operators will now have a free, faster pathway to formal vocational education and training (VET) qualifications.
Rather than undergoing traditional multi-year apprenticeships, eligible workers will have their existing knowledge formally evaluated through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). TAFEs and other high-quality Registered Training Organisations will deliver the required training and assessments to address any missing units, enabling workers to secure formal qualifications in months rather than years.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said, “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. This program recognises the expertise they’ve already developed and helps them gain nationally recognised qualifications faster.”
AETT is modelled on the successful the NSW Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program, which saw more than 1,900 students gain their trade qualification faster. The AETT program covers high-demand fields, including carpentry, crane operations, rigging, tiling, surveying, construction design, and site management.
The program will roll out nationally, with New South Wales one of the first states to sign onto the program. Enrolments are expected to open in late 2026.