Free construction qualifications are now on offer to 1,452 experienced construction workers in Victoria. They give people who’ve learnt their trade on the job a faster, no-cost route to a nationally recognised qualification.
What has changed
The Carroll Labor Government has signed Victoria up to the Advanced Entry Trades Training (AETT) programme. This Commonwealth initiative helps experienced but unqualified workers get formal recognition for the skills they already have. The Albanese Government is providing $18.8 million to Victoria to fund the 1,452 places.
Key details of the free construction qualifications
- The national AETT programme is worth $78 million and aims to fast-track qualifications for 6,000 tradespeople across Australia. It combines recognition of prior learning with gap training, so workers only complete the parts of a qualification they’re missing.
- Qualifications will be at Certificate III level or higher. They’re linked to residential housing and civil construction jobs, including carpentry, rigging, crane operations, tiling, surveying, construction design and site management.
- Selected TAFEs will deliver the training and assessment at no cost to eligible participants.
- Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said research shows every newly qualified tradesperson can help build an extra 2.4 homes a year.
- Victorian Minister for Skills and Training Gabrielle Williams said the programme would help experienced workers turn the skills they already have into nationally recognised qualifications.
Why free construction qualifications matter
Many tradies have years of hands-on experience but no piece of paper to show for it. The programme is designed to close that gap. It opens the door to better jobs and higher pay, and helps ease the pressure on housing construction.
Context
The Victorian Government describes its $16 billion investment in TAFE as a record. It also cites Jobs and Skills Australia figures showing that 91 per cent of Victorian TAFE learners achieve their employment goal.
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Source: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
