Skip to main content
    Back to:Programs

    Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers

    You’ve got the industry experience, now get the qualification. Turn your building and construction industry experience into a nationally recognised qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers (TPEW) Program.

    Student eligibility

    You must meet all the following criteria:

    • Be aged 21 years or older at the time of enrolment.
    • Have at least three (3) years of work experience in your desired trade, including 12 months in Australia.
    • Be currently working in the construction industry, or have worked in it within the last five (5) years.
    • Not be a registered apprentice or trainee. Cancelled apprenticeships must be more than six (6) months old.
    • Not be enrolled in related Smart and Skilled training and be capable of achieving three (3) units of competency (UoCs) as RPL.
    • Live or work in NSW.

    Skilled migrant workers may be eligible. Please refer to the FAQs for more information.

    A male teacher is demonstrating bricklaying techniques to a female tradie

    Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020)

    Granville

    Bricklaying student and teacher work together in a training workshop, using a spirit level and trowels to check alignment and lay bricks on a partially built wall.

    Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020)

    Miller

    Carpentry student sawing wood with TAFE NSW teacher supervising

    Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)

    Nirimba

    Flooring technology student measures a piece of timber using a tape measure while operating a drop saw in a workshop, wearing an orange high‑visibility shirt and safety

    Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)

    Gymea

    Two female students wearing safety glasses and lab coats collaborate on a science experiment in a bright laboratory classroom. They carefully measure and mix colorful chemicals in beakers, while other students work diligently at nearby tables.

    Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (MSL30122)

    Ultimo

    A horticulture student kneels beside a sunflower plant in a vibrant outdoor nursery, examining its leaves while their teacher stands nearby, offering guidance.

    Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921)

    Richmond

    Painting student and teacher discuss colour selections in a training workshop, with paint samples open on the table and another student applying paint to a wall in the background.

    Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620)

    Ultimo

    Man on roof with power tools

    Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820)

    Nirimba

    A person operates a large, high-end industrial printer.

    Certificate III in Signs and Graphics (CPC30216)

    Ultimo

    Graphic design student works at a desktop computer while a teacher provides guidance, with design posters on the wall and other students working in the background.

    Certificate III in Signs and Graphics (CPC30216)

    Wollongong

    Skilled stonemason working on a church restoration

    Certificate III in Stonemasonry (CPC32320)

    Miller

    A tiler skillfully installs tiles on an outdoor wall, carefully aligning each piece by hand.

    Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31320)

    Macquarie Fields

    Student fees

    This course may be fee-free* if you are eligible.

    * This training is subsidised by the NSW Government.

    Student journey

    Your path to a formal qualification is easier than you think. We have streamlined the process into three simple steps to help you turn your on-the-job experience into a nationally recognised trade certificate. Whether you are looking to boost your income or advance your career, TAFE NSW is here to guide you from your first enquiry through to your final assessment. Let’s get you the recognition you deserve.

    Step 1

    Submit an application using one of the ‘Apply now’ buttons above and provide required evidence to TAFE NSW.

    Step 2

    TAFE NSW and Training Services (NSW Department of Education) assess your evidence to determine the units you can complete via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

    Step 3

    TAFE NSW will contact you to confirm if you are suitable for the program and outline your next steps.

    Frequently asked questions