Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers

Have you been working in the building and construction sector but never completed your trade qualification?

The Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers (TPEW) program allows certain skills and work experience to be recognised towards a trade qualification. Find out if your industry experience counts.

In the TPEW program, Master Builders is able to offer places in the following qualifications:

• CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
• CPC31420 Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
• MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
• CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction

How the program works

1. Contact Master Builders Association of NSW (RTO6163) offering a relevant qualification to express your interest and confirm your eligibility to participate in the program.
2. MBA NSW will consider your eligibility, including work experience and skills that could be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) towards the qualification.
3. If successful, MBA NSW will develop a training plan that outlines the Units of Competency to be delivered through RPL assessment and, if required, as gap training.
4. You will then enrol to participate the qualification.
5. MBA NSW will deliver gap training and RPL assessment as per the qualification requirements.
6. You undertake assessments and if competent in all assessments, you achieve your Trade qualification.

Am I eligible?

To take part you must meet the Smart and Skilled eligibility requirements.

The Smart and Skilled eligibility criteria:

• no longer at school
• living or working in NSW
• an Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder, or New Zealand citizen.

In Addition you must:

• be 21 years of age or older
• have a minimum 3 year’s work experience full time equivalent (with at least 12 months’ experience working in Australia) in the trade that you wish to undertake training
• be currently working in the industry associated with the qualification you wish to undertake or have worked in the industry within the last 5 years
• not be a current apprentice or trainee or, if a cancelled apprentice, cancellation must have occurred more than 6 months prior to enrolment in the program.

If you are eligible, Master Builders will submit an application for a TPEW subsidised place on your behalf. Approval of funding is the responsibility of Training Services NSW.

Key dates:

• You must be enrolled by 31st August, 2026
• You must commence your Training and assessment by 30th September, 2026
• The full qualification program must be completed by 31st May, 2027.

*This training is fee-free fully subsidised by the NSW Government. Limited places are available. Entry Requirements apply.

Please check the availability of qualifications.

With Master Builders you can start your fully funded qualification to upskill now for a better future.

For any questions please contact our customer service team:

Phone: (02) 8586 3588

Email: [email protected]

Download TPEW FAQ’s for students