Changes to the 2026–27 Smart and Skilled program aim to improve planning certainty and funding allocation and include increased notice periods for contract arrangements to assist RTO delivery planning. The Department will continue to prioritise funded training in critical skills areas, including agriculture and agrifood, apprenticeships and traineeships, and National Skills Agreement priorities such as the VET workforce, foundation skills and Closing the Gap. Fee free places will be limited from 1 July, while support for fee free apprenticeships and traineeships will continue.
Learn more in the Smart and Skilled update 5 May 2026.
Trade Pathways Program
The NSW Government’s Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program helps eligible workers gain a formal trade qualification. The program aligns with findings from the 2025 AFAM Industry Training Priorities report, which identified upskilling current employees and recognising existing capability as key priorities across several sectors.
Workers aged over 21 years may be eligible if they can demonstrate at least three years of current industry experience and qualify for Recognition of Prior Learning for a minimum of three units. Phase one is now open for people working in landscape construction who have industry skills and experience but have not completed the AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction. The Management Edge (TME) RTO has been approved to deliver this qualification under the program, and enrolments must be finalised by 31 August 2026, with training to start by 30 September 2026 and finish by 31 May 2027.
Phase two is scheduled for release in July/August 2026 and will include qualifications across agriculture, horticulture, arboriculture, beekeeping, irrigation, parks and gardens, sports turf, wool handling, meat processing and baking. Enrolments will remain open until April 2027, with training to commence by 31 May 2027 and conclude by September 2028. The EOI process to identify approved RTO providers is currently in the finalisation stage.
View the list of qualifications approved for delivery in the Smart and Skilled update 26 May 2026.
Learn more about the Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program.
AgSkilled 3.0
Recently Training Services New South Wales, through the AgSkilled program, funded a series of wool harvesting pilot training programs to build the next generation of shearers and wool handlers. Australian Agricultural Training Company delivered the training in partnership with industry investment, with additional support from Australian Wool Innovation.
Twenty-eight young learners completed the training across two remote locations, with 14 students attending near Clare in the Western Riverina and Murray region and another 14 training at Coolringdon in the Cooma and Monaro region. Participants gained practical, entry-level skills through six nationally recognised units covering animal welfare, workplace health and safety, wool handling, equipment preparation and basic shearing and crutching.
Grace Armstrong from Culcairn, who secured a campout role after attending the Clare program, said, ‘I thought that shearers in the shed could teach me all I need to know but I got a rude awakening. Trainers show you what you need to know and how to look after your body, which are really valuable lessons.’ Local producers Jess and Sam Scott highlighted the value of delivering training where it’s needed – where the work is. Jess commented that the shearing school helped address workforce shortages in remote areas where contractors can travel up to 500 kilometres for work, while Sam noted the training supports ongoing employment opportunities and helps workers build skills they can use across different regions.
Learn more about AgSkilled.
AFAM is supported and funded by the NSW Government.