Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers
Fast Track Your Civil Career
Build on your existing skills to obtain your Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
Enrolments close 31 August 2026 - Limited places available
About the Program
The NSW Government is aiming to increase the number of qualified tradespeople in NSW to address labour and skills shortages. Shortages of qualified labour in the building and construction industries are creating increased pressure on the economy through higher costs and lower levels of productivity.
The Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program will assist in the advancement of experienced, unqualified trades workers by assessing their skills and experience. This will be done through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Fee-free gap training to enable them the opportunity to gain a trade qualification.
Who it is For
NSW Workers with Civil Construction Experience
Experienced workers without formal qualifications
Experienced workers looking to obtain their Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations without doing a
traditional apprenticeship
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, a student must meet the following criteria:
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be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen, Humanitarian Visa holder or Australian Permanent Resident; and
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be over 21 years of age
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be resident of NSW or working in NSW
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have at least 3 years of work experience in civil construction
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be currently working in the construction industry, or have worked in the industry within the last five years; and
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not be a current apprentice or trainee; or if a cancelled apprentice, cancellation must be greater than 6 months
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not be enrolled in any related Smart and Skilled subsidised training
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no longer attending school
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assessed as capable of a minimum three (3) UoCs as an RPL outcome.
How It Works
Step Details
STEP 1
The applicant will complete a Eligibility form provided by DATS and return along with the following:
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a current resume
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a copy of their USI transcript
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copies of current tickets/licences applicable to this qualification
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Evidence of the students work experience in the form of a reference from their employer on a company letter head, signed and dated, outlining the Student’s name, age and current employment status (casual / full time etc.) If self-employed, a Third Party Report or References from industry.
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Details of the nature of trade work and the duration of employment, procedures applied, and tools and equipment used which are consistent with the trade.
STEP 2
DATS will work with the student to create a training plan to support their application and discuss potential class dates in order to allocate a time frame for the funding to be applied.
STEP 3
Once funding has been approved, DATS will contact the applicant to arrange a suitable date to undertake their competency conversation and practical assessment.
Please note: It can take up to 21 days to receive a funding outcome. Approval is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of Skills NSW. A representative from the Department of Education may contact the student to discuss their training needs.
STEP 4
DATS will undertake any gap training required to fulfil any remaining Units of Competency within the Qualification that we unable to be achieved via RPL.