Building a strong career in construction or engineering hinges on proving your skills and earning recognised qualifications.
Whether you’re starting out, changing industries, or seeking trade recognition in Australia, you’ll likely encounter apprenticeships and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as potential routes to a formal qualification.
Both have clear benefits, but which pathway suits your situation best? This guide breaks down the essentials of Australian apprenticeship pathways and RPL so you can make an informed decision.
Understanding Apprenticeships and RPL
Apprenticeships and RPL are two respected ways to earn nationally recognised qualifications in Australia. Both help boost employability, career progression, but their structure and requirements differ.
- Apprenticeships involve structured training that combines hands-on experience with theoretical learning, typically through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment-based process, ideal for those with substantial work experience but missing formal qualifications.
Both paths support advancement across the construction and engineering industries. Deciding between them depends on your existing skills, career stage, and professional goals.
What Is an Apprenticeship
You may wonder if apprenticeships still matter. A recent study by NCVER reveals that: As of September 2024, there were approximately 333,765 active apprentice and trainee contracts in Australia. Still think apprenticeships aren’t valuable?
An apprenticeship is a formal program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. It’s designed for those starting their careers or changing industries, ensuring candidates develop practical skills and theoretical understanding in their trade. Here’s what you need to know:
- Training Providers: Reputable RTOs like Gimbal Construction (RTO 32201) and Gimbal Engineering (RTO 31820) deliver apprenticeship programs.
- Structure: Apprenticeships typically run for three to four years, blending real workplace experience with dedicated learning modules.
- Supervision: Apprentices work under experienced tradespeople, gaining first-hand expertise and professional mentorship.
- Courses Available: Common pathways include construction apprenticeships and engineering apprenticeships, covering areas like mechanical, fabrication, and electrical trades.
Apprenticeships are especially valuable for those who prefer structured learning and want to build a knowledge base from the ground up.
What Is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a pathway for experienced workers to gain formal qualifications based on their existing competencies. Rather than starting over, candidates present evidence of skills developed through work experience, previous training, or informal learning. The process typically includes:
- Eligibility Checks: An initial assessment by an RTO to confirm suitability for RPL.
- Evidence Collection: Submission of workplace documents, references, photos, videos, and records that demonstrate your capabilities.
- Assessment Process: Formal evaluation (often including interviews and practical assessments) to benchmark your skills against national competency standards.
- Gap Training: If evidence shows some knowledge gaps, specific training can be provided to fill them.
If you are someone with years of experience but lack formal or recognised certification, then RPL might be a good alternative for you. It shortens the time and often reduces the cost required to achieve qualifications critical for career progression, licensing, or skilled migration.
Comparing Apprenticeships and RPL
Choosing between apprenticeships and RPL boils down to your background and professional needs. Here’s how these pathways stack up:
| Criteria | Apprenticeship | RPL |
| Structure | Fixed, combining work and classroom learning | Flexible, assessment-based |
| Duration | Typically 3–4 years | Often 3–6 months (if adequate evidence is supplied) |
| Cost | May attract government funding or employer support | May be lower given prior experience & shorter duration |
| Who is it for | School leavers, career changers, newcomers to a trade | Experienced workers seeking trade recognition |
| Qualification Outcome | Nationally recognised certificates and trade licences | The same qualifications as apprenticeships |
| Suitability | Structured learners, those seeking mentorship | Self-starters with strong evidence of skills |
Key distinction: Apprenticeships build new skills from scratch, while RPL recognises those you already have.
Benefits of Each Pathway
Both apprenticeships and RPL deliver tangible career benefits. Your situation will determine which advantages matter most.
Benefits of Apprenticeships
- Structured learning ensures a broad-based skillset.
- Enjoy professional mentorship and network-building with established tradespeople.
- Meet trade licensing requirements efficiently.
- Opens doors to entry-level work and ongoing employment.
Benefits of RPL
- Fast-track your qualification if you already meet the standard.
- Lower training costs by recognising prior experience.
- Essential for upskilling, career advancement, or meeting regulatory requirements.
- Minimises career downtime.
Among Gimbal Group clients, RPL is particularly popular for experienced migrant workers and qualified tradespeople who are new to Australia and keen to get their experience formally recognised.
Skill Assessments
Skill assessment is central to both RPL and apprenticeships. For RPL, the assessment determines whether your practical experience and knowledge meet Australian competency standards. For apprenticeships, assessments are ongoing and occur at scheduled points during training.
- Trade Recognition: Essential for those seeking a trade licence or wanting to work as a contractor.
- Skilled Migration Australia: Many migration visas require a formal skills assessment from an approved RTO.
A clear, robust skill assessment ensures qualifications reflect real-world abilities and maintain industry credibility.
How Gimbal Group Supports Your Success
Gimbal Training, Construction, and Engineering have delivered industry-leading support for both apprenticeship and RPL candidates since 2006.
By working with registered RTOs, Gimbal guides you through every stage—from eligibility checks to evidence collection, gap training, and assessment. The focus is on practical, efficient pathways to the right qualifications for your situation.
Services offered include:
- Comprehensive RPL processes tailored to your trade or engineering discipline.
- Structured, hands-on construction and engineering apprenticeships.
- Guidance through skill assessments for trade recognition or migration purposes.
- Support for obtaining trade licences.
- Australia-wide coverage with flexible options for remote and on-site learners.
Client testimonials highlight Gimbal’s professionalism, personalised care, and streamlined processes, making the company a trusted partner in both RPL and apprenticeship journeys.
Making the Right Choice to Enhance Your Career
Choosing between apprenticeships and RPL depends on where you are in your career, your learning preferences, and the qualifications you need.
Apprenticeships are best for newcomers who want a comprehensive training and mentoring experience. RPL speeds up the process for those with relevant trade or industry experience and strong practical evidence.
Gimbal Group offers both pathways and will support you from enquiry to final certification.
If you’re new to the trade or looking for mentorship, explore construction or engineering apprenticeships.