Thousands of experienced timber workers could soon fast-track their trade qualification. Here’s how your business can benefit.
A new Australian Government initiative could open the door for experienced timber and manufacturing workers to gain formal qualifications faster, helping businesses strengthen workforce capability and create new opportunities for career progression.
Enrolments for the $78 million Advanced Entry Trades Training (AETT) program are expected to open from late 2026.
The national program is modelled on New South Wales’ highly successful Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers initiative, which has already helped more than 1,900 workers gain a trade qualification through recognition of their existing skills and experience.
Who’s it for?
Experienced workers in residential housing and civil construction, including labourers, trades assistants and plant operators, will have access to a free, accelerated pathway to formal vocational education and training (VET) qualifications.
The AETT program will be open to Australian workers with at least three years of experience and will run until 30 June 2028.
The program builds on workers’ existing skills and experience, providing opportunities for career progression, workforce mobility and pathways to further training.
How it works
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be used to assess skills, knowledge and experience gained on the job, with targeted gap training provided to help workers complete a qualification in areas such as carpentry, rigging, crane operations, tiling, surveying, construction design and site management.
National program settings have been developed through consultation with state and territory governments, Jobs and Skills Australia, Jobs and Skills Councils, unions and industry representatives.
Eligible qualifications specific to the timber industry include:
- Certificate III in Timber Frame or Truss Manufacture
- Certificate III in Timber Systems Design
- Certificate IV in Timber Systems Design
Other eligible qualifications that may be of interest include:
- Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles
- Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
- Certificate III in Flooring Technology
- Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
- Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
- Certificate IV in Kitchen and Bathroom Design
For employers, the program presents an opportunity to formally recognise existing workforce capability, support employee development and strengthen skills across the business. For workers, it offers a faster pathway to nationally recognised qualifications by building on skills already developed through years of industry experience.
