How Recognition of Prior Learning Can Accelerate Your Career in Trades

Date

21.05.25

Trade-related activity accounts for 31% of Australia’s economic output, making it a significant career opportunity. Are you a skilled tradesperson looking to formalise your expertise and boost your career?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) might be the solution you’ve been searching for. It’s a streamlined, efficient way to convert your real-world experience into nationally recognised qualifications.

For many in the trade industry, RPL has been a game-changer, providing new pathways to career acceleration and industry recognition. But what exactly is RPL, and how did it gain so much traction in Australia? This blog will break it all down, exploring the process, explaining its benefits, and showing why it’s such a powerful tool for those in trades.

What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL, is a process that assesses your existing skills, knowledge, and experience to award a formal qualification. It eliminates the need to start from scratch, allowing you to leverage what you’ve already learned in the workplace.

Upskilling yourself by leveraging your practical capabilities is crucial for tradesperson, RPL assesses your real-life learnings and transfers that to nationally recognised qualifications. Especially for people who want a trading career and may even have relevant experience but no formal qualifications RPL can be a game changer.

By working with Registered Training Organisations like Gimbal Group, you can fast-track your qualifications and level up your career in a matter of months.

Benefits of RPL in Trades

RPL can transform the career outlook for trades professionals in several ways. Here are the key advantages of pursuing this pathway:

1. Career Acceleration

Obtaining a trade certificate through RPL can open doors to higher-level roles such as site supervisors or project managers. With nationally recognised qualifications such as CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting & Decorating or MSF30422 Certificate III in Glass & Glazing, you show employers or clients that you’re well-qualified to handle their projects.

2. Higher Earning Potential

Formal qualifications often lead to better pay. For instance, a tradesperson with recognised qualifications can charge higher rates than their unqualified counterparts. RPL certificates ensure you’re paid what you’re worth, reflecting the expertise you’ve gained on the job.

3. Industry Recognition

RPL qualifications are recognised across Australia, giving you credibility in your field. Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, or carpenter, having qualifications like a MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology can bolster your reputation and client trust.

4. Cost and Time Efficiency

Unlike traditional training programs, which require long hours of study, RPL allows you to bypass this step by directly proving your skills. This saves valuable time and reduces costs compared to enrolling in full-length courses.

5. Improved Job Mobility

With a recognised qualification, moving between states or applying for jobs becomes much easier.

How RPL Works

RPL simplifies the qualification process by breaking it down into manageable steps. Here’s a brief outline of how it works at Gimbal Group:

Step 1: Initial Enquiry

Start your RPL journey by contacting Gimbal Group. Our expert team will assess your situation to determine if you’re eligible.

Step 2: Pre-Enrolment

Provide evidence of your skills, such as workplace documents, videos, or references from previous employers. Our team will guide you on collecting and submitting this evidence.

Step 3: Enrolment

Complete an online knowledge test and a technical interview with one of our assessors to validate your skills further.

Step 4: Gap Training (If Needed)

If any gaps are identified in your knowledge, you’ll receive targeted training to address these areas before moving forward.

Step 5: Assessment and Final Approval

Once your evidence is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive your nationally recognised qualification.

This streamlined process makes it easy for skilled workers to achieve a qualification like MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical or CPC31320 Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling no matter where they are in Australia.

How RPL Differs from Apprenticeships

You might be wondering, how does RPL compare to traditional apprenticeships? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Apprenticeships	Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Structured, combining on-the-job training with coursework.	Based entirely on your existing skills.
It can take years to complete.	Typically completed in 3–6 months.
Focus on foundational learning.	Focus on proving prior experience.

Both pathways are valuable, but RPL offers a faster, more cost-effective solution for those who already have substantial trade experience.

Why Choose Gimbal Group?

Gimbal Training’s Recognition of Prior Learning service (RPL) through a skills assessment to enhance your career pathway. Our service is focused on acknowledging every skillset you have achieved through your experience and helping you receive a nationally recognised qualification.

Some of the salient features we provide are:

Registered Training Organisations with years of expertise (RTO IDS 32201 and 31820).
Comprehensive support throughout the RPL process.
Expert assessors with deep industry experience.
Flexible pathways are designed to suit your schedule.
Apprenticeship pathways to equip you with hands-on experience in the trade

RPL at Gimbal Group

Gimbal Group is a trusted name in trade recognition and skills assessments. Since 2006, our RTOs have been helping professionals gain qualifications across various trades, including:

MSF30422 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinetmaking and Timber Technology
CPC30620 – Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
CPC31320 Certificate III in Wall & Floor Tiling
MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical
MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication

We have a proven track record of helping thousands achieve their qualifications quickly and efficiently. With services available nationwide, we’re here to help you take the next step in your career.

Take Your Career to the Next Level

Why wait years to gain recognition for the skills you already have? RPL allows you to accelerate your career, increase your earning potential, and establish your professional credibility.

At Gimbal Group, our RPL services assess your hands-on experience in areas like, MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinetmaking and Timber Technology, MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical to name a few. Using a simple process, we match your skills to qualifications such as a Certificate III or Certificate IV, saving you both time and money.