A new pathway to a trade qualification

Aspiring building and construction workers will soon have access to a new training pathway to gain a full trade qualification without entering into a traditional apprenticeship, under a new program being piloted by the Newman Government and Construction Skills Queensland.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the Registered Trade Skills Pathway Construction Pilot Program offered existing workers an alternative to a traditional apprenticeship to gain a Certificate III qualification and be formally recognised as a tradesperson.

“Due to the nature of employment in the building and construction industry, it can be difficult for unqualified workers such as labourers and trades assistants to formalise their skills and experience and take the next step to a full trade qualification,” Mr Langbroek said.

“Those who are employed casually or on project-based work may not be able to commit three or four years to an apprenticeship for a variety of personal or employment reasons.

“This pilot program recognises that work-based skills do not always come from regular, permanent employment, but from a broad range of work and life experiences.

“Queenslanders participating in the program will be able to count the trade related skills, competencies and training gained outside of an apprenticeship towards a trade qualification, under the guidance of a registered training organisation.”

Mr Langbroek said that then Newman Government was investing $1 million over the next two years in partnership Construction Skills Queensland to subsidise up to 100 training places for those with existing skills and experience in the building and construction industry.

“Up to 20 training places will be made available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants from the Cape area, north of Cairns,” he said.

“This is part of the Newman Government’s Great skills. Real opportunities plan to reform vocational education and training and make trade training more accessible, flexible and relevant for Queenslanders.”

Mr Langbroek said the pilot program would target labourers and assistants currently working in bricklaying, carpentry, painting, plastering or tiling trades.

Construction Skills Queensland Chief Executive Officer Brett Schimming said industry supported the development of new training pathways to expand the pool of qualified tradespeople in Queensland.

“It is important to create pathways to trade qualifications for workers that build on their existing trade-based skills, knowledge and experience,” Mr Schimming said.

“This program will complement existing Construction Skills Queensland programs focused on skills assessment and gap training for existing workers.”

Mr Langbroek said negotiations were underway to establish a second Registered Trade Skills Pathway Program with the hospitality industry.

For more information about the RTSP Construction Pilot Program, visit http://www.training.qld.gov.au/information/investing-in-skills/apprentice.html

[ENDS] 10 October 2013                                         

Media contact: Minister's Office 3237 1000