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What is Skills Recognition Pathway?
Also known as Recognition of Prior Learning or RPL, a skills recognition pathway is a fast, cost-effective way to upskill your workforce. It formally acknowledges your employees’ existing skills and experience towards achieving a nationally recognised qualification.
RPL streamlines development, reduces training time, and helps your business meet workforce capability goals efficiently.
Why choose TAFE Queensland?
Trusted training for a future-ready workforce. With 140+ years of experience, we offer flexible, contextualised RPL programs, scalable solutions, and dedicated employer support—powered by strong industry partnerships.
- Trusted training provider for over 140 years
- Flexible and tailored training programs
- Scalable RPL solutions
- Dedicated support for employers
- Strong industry partnerships
Benefits for your business
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Customised skills pathway addressing organisational priorities.
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Boost workforce capability by recognising existing skills and targeting only the gaps.
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Cut training costs and time with streamlined upskilling and access to government funding.
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Retain top talent by promoting growth and reducing recruitment churn.
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Stay compliant with qualifications aligned to industry and licensing standards.
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Partner with experience - over 140 years of trusted training delivery.
How it works
1. Develop bespoke pathway – Our RPL assessor will identify the units that can be achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and/or training. The objective is to streamline the process for participants by incorporating organisational terminology into training and assessment materials. To support this, you may be required to provide relevant evidence such as work samples, references, and organisational policies or procedures.
2. RPL assessment – Employees will collate appropriate evidence as requested then undertake an RPL verbal assessment
3. Gap training – Any required gap training for your staff will be facilitated by TAFE Queensland educators and assessors.
4. Qualification awarded – Once the RPL assessment and any required gap training have been successfully completed your staff will be issued with a nationally-recognised qualification from TAFE Queensland.
Frequently Asked Questions
To support a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application, your staff will need to provide evidence that shows they already have the skills and knowledge required for the qualification. This may include:
- work samples or project documentation
- job descriptions or performance reviews
- references or letters from supervisors
- photos or videos of work completed
- certificates or transcripts from previous training
- records of on-the-job experience or professional development
We’ll guide you through what’s needed and help your team gather the right evidence to support their application.
Your staff may also be eligible for a range of independent and government funding to help subsidise your workforce training costs.
Gap training is targeted learning that fills in the specific areas where an employee’s existing skills or experience don’t fully meet the requirements of a qualification.
Yes. RPL can be applied across a wide range of industries, including trades, construction, health and community services, hospitality, business, education, and more. If your staff have relevant experience but lack formal qualifications, RPL can help them gain nationally recognised credentials, regardless of the sector. We’ll work with you to determine suitability based on your workforce’s roles and goals.
Not usually. RPL is based on evidence of existing skills and experience, so formal classes or exams aren’t required unless gap training is needed. If there are areas where your staff don’t fully meet the qualification requirements, we’ll provide targeted training to fill those gaps, saving time and avoiding unnecessary learning.
Yes. Once your staff successfully complete the RPL process (including any required gap training) they’ll be awarded a nationally recognised qualification that reflects their skills and experience. These credentials are valued across Australia and support compliance, career progression, and workforce development.
Unlike traditional training, RPL focuses on recognising what your employees already know. It’s a faster, more cost-effective way to upskill your workforce by avoiding duplication and targeting only the areas that need development. RPL supports strategic employee development and helps your business meet compliance and training goals efficiently.
Your dedicated RPL Assessor will work with you to identify the best solution for your business. In previous arrangements, we have provided dedicated email support as well as drop-in information sessions delivered by our educators.