Thousands of experienced construction workers will soon be able to convert their practical on-the-job experience into free, nationally recognised qualifications under a new AU$78 million federal initiative designed to tackle nation-wide skill shortages.
The federal government revealed the Advanced Entry Trades Training (AETT) program, which will fund up to 6,000 places over three years for seasoned residential housing and civil construction workers.
Enrolments are expected to open in late 2026, with New South Wales signing on as one of the first states to participate.
Designed to accelerate the delivery of homes and critical infrastructure, the program targets non-ticketed trade workers, including site labourers, trades assistants, and plant operators, who possess at least three years of industry experience.
Rather than undergoing traditional multi-year apprenticeships, eligible workers will have their existing knowledge formally evaluated through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
TAFEs and registered training organisations will then provide targeted ‘gap training’ to address any missing units, enabling workers to secure formal qualifications in months rather than years.
The AETT program covers high-demand fields, including carpentry, crane operations, rigging, tiling, surveying, construction design, and site management.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said that the initiative directly answers long-standing industry calls for alternative qualification pathways.
“This program recognises the expertise they’ve already developed and helps them gain nationally recognised qualifications faster,” 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.”
The national scheme is modelled on the NSW Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program, which has already assisted more than 1,900 workers to gain qualifications.
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan welcomed the national rollout, stating the approach provides real support to workers while helping address housing supply targets.
The AETT initiative will run through to June 2028, operating alongside existing programs such as Free TAFE and the Key Apprenticeship Program.
