Tradie Skills Recognition

The Tradie Skills Recognition program helps experienced workers who have significant industry experience but no qualification, get recognised for the skills they already have and complete a qualification.

The program aims to:

  • support career progression for experienced workers
  • enable existing workers to complete a qualification in a priority trade area
  • help reduce current and future trade skills shortages in Queensland
  • respond to emerging trade skills needs.

How the program works

Participants complete a qualification through a process that includes both:

  • recognition of prior learning (RPL)
  • reduced-cost training.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

RPL is used to assess the skills and knowledge of experienced workers against the requirements of a trade qualification – usually a certificate 3 or 4. To be eligible, participants must have at least 60% of the qualification recognised through RPL. The qualification cannot be completed entirely through RPL.

Reduced-cost training

Reduced-cost training is provided for the remaining units participants need to complete their qualification.

The amount of training required must be no more than 40% of the total number of units needed to complete the qualification.

Who can apply

The program is for people who can show they:

  • already have existing skills in a priority trade qualification from the qualification list
  • are ready to complete the remaining training needed to gain a qualification.

Priority industry areas include:

  • automotive
  • engineering
  • food processing
  • furnishing
  • hospitality
  • forestry
  • furnishing
  • process manufacturing
  • retail
  • transport and distribution
  • utilities.

This program does not fund construction trades or licensed trades such as electrical or plumbing. Construction Skills Queensland provides a Skills Assessment and Gap Training program for the construction trades.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

  • be 21 years of age or older
  • be a permanent Queensland resident
  • be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident including humanitarian entrants, a temporary resident with the appropriate visa and work rights on a pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen
  • have several years of relevant, current industry experience
  • not currently be an apprentice or trainee as defined in the Further Education and Training Act 2014
  • not have completed a trade qualification in the same industry area within the previous 10 years
  • be committed to completing the full qualification through the program.

How to apply

Individuals need to contact one of the training providers (Skills Assure Suppliers) who are approved to deliver this program. The training provider will confirm if the individual is eligible.

To find an approved training provider:

  1. Search the qualification list to find the qualification you want to apply for.
  2. Choose an approved provider from the list.
  3. Contact the provider to check your eligibility.

Before you apply make sure you understand that:

  • the program is intended for experienced workers who can already show they have many of the skills needed for a priority trade qualification
  • the qualification you want is on the eligible qualification list.

Fees and costs

Eligible participants do not pay student or co-contribution fees for the RPL part of the program.

Participants pay for units of competency they complete through training. These fees apply to all participants. The training provider can provide details of fees and costs.

What you can expect

By participating in the program, you can:

  • use your existing skills and experience
  • build confidence
  • gain a recognised qualification to support your career development.

After completing their training, the Skills Assure Supplier should support participants to find work or progress into higher-level roles.
This support may include career advice and help to connect participants with potential employers.

A qualification completed through this program does not provide a trade completion certificate.

Information for employers

The Tradie Skills Recognition program supports employers by helping their workers access training that can help them progress in their careers and build their skills while supporting business capability.

Employers can encourage experienced workers without a formal qualification to check if they are eligible for the program.

Related information

Tradie Skills Recognition program complements a range of other initiatives for trades. If this program is not suitable look at: