How it works

A faster way to get qualified

TPEW is built for skilled but unqualified tradespeople — people who can already do the job and just need the formal recognition to prove it. Your hands-on experience is recognised through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), so you only train for the skills you haven't yet covered.

01

Recognise

We assess your experience and grant RPL for every unit you can evidence — a minimum of three, usually many more.

02

Top up

You complete focused gap training only for the skills not yet covered. No repeating what you do every day on site.

03

Qualify

You finish with a complete, nationally recognised Certificate III, plus support to pursue trade recognition and licensing.

The difference

Why this isn't an apprenticeship

No multi-year commitment

Timed around what you can already prove, not a fixed apprenticeship term.

No course fees

Fully subsidised by the New South Wales Government for eligible workers.

Counts overseas and local experience

Trade work done here and abroad can be recognised.

Fits around full-time work

Designed for people who are still on the tools.

Eligibility

Do you qualify?

To join the program through Orange College, you'll need to meet all of the following:

  • ✓21 years or older at the time of enrolment
  • ✓At least 3 years' experience in the trade, including a minimum of 12 months worked in Australia
  • ✓Currently working in the industry — or have worked in it within the last 5 years
  • ✓Living or working in New South Wales
  • ✓Not a current apprentice or trainee (a cancelled apprenticeship must have ended more than 6 months ago)
  • ✓Not already enrolled in related Smart and Skilled subsidised training
  • ✓An Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen
Trained overseas? If you gained your trade experience or qualifications overseas, you may still be considered on a case-by-case basis — provided you meet the experience criteria, including 12 months of work in Australia. Talk to our team before you rule yourself out.

Not sure if you meet every point? Get in touch — we'll work it out with you.

Qualifications on offer

Choose your trade

CPC30220

Certificate III in Carpentry

Right for you if you've worked in: framing, flooring and roofing, formwork, cladding, fit-out, stairs, eaves and general residential or commercial carpentry.

Leads to: a nationally recognised carpentry qualification and a pathway toward New South Wales contractor licence.

CPC30620

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

Right for you if you've worked in: surface preparation, interior and exterior painting, protective coatings, decorative finishes and wallpapering.

Leads to: a nationally recognised painting and decorating qualification and a pathway toward New South Wales contractor licence.

Your pathway

Four steps to your qualification

Check your eligibility

A quick chat with our team confirms whether the program is right for you. No cost, no obligation.

Skills review and Training Plan

Bring your resume, references and proof of experience. We assess your skills and build a Training Plan that maps your RPL and any gap training.

RPL plus targeted gap training

Get formally recognised for what you already know, then complete only the units you haven't yet covered.

Get qualified

Receive your nationally recognised Certificate III, plus guidance on pursuing trade recognition (Certificate of Proficiency) and licensing.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

Nothing, if you're eligible. This training is fee-free and fully subsidised by the New South Wales Government.

Do I need to be in an apprenticeship?

No. TPEW is specifically for experienced workers who are not current apprentices or trainees. It's an alternative pathway to a trade qualification.

How long does it take?

It depends on how much of the qualification you can be recognised for through RPL. Because we only deliver gap training for the skills you haven't covered, it's typically much faster than studying the full qualification from scratch. We'll give you a clearer picture once we've reviewed your experience.

I already do this work every day — will my experience count?

That's exactly who this program is for. Your on-the-job experience is assessed and recognised through RPL. The more you can evidence (resume, references, photos of work, employer letters), the more can be recognised.

Can I get a trade licence at the end?

The qualification is a pathway toward trade recognition and licensing, but a Certificate of Proficiency or licence isn't guaranteed through the program — it's assessed separately by the relevant authority. We'll support you with the information and evidence you need to apply.

I trained overseas. Am I eligible?

Possibly. The program isn't a formal overseas-qualification recognition process, but skilled migrants may be considered case-by-case where there's no other suitable pathway, provided they meet the experience criteria (including 12 months of work in Australia). Get in touch and we'll talk it through.

Enrolments close 31 August 2026

Check if you qualify

Places are limited and enrolments close 31 August 2026. Don't leave your ticket — or the funding — on the table.

This training is fee-free and fully subsidised by the New South Wales Government.

Orange International College Pty Ltd · RTO 41315. Delivered under the New South Wales Government's Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program (Housing Construction Workforce Package). Eligibility criteria apply and enrolment is subject to assessment, approval and limited places. A Certificate of Proficiency or trade licence is not guaranteed through participation in the program and is assessed separately by the relevant authority.