Fencing Industry Australia is leading the Skills Pathway Initiative to develop nationally recognised training and qualifications for the fencing and gate sector.
This long-term initiative is focused on creating a Certificate III in Fencing and establishing a formal apprenticeship pathway, giving fencing the recognition it deserves as a skilled trade. The goal is to support long-term workforce development, set consistent standards across the industry, and open the door to real career pathways for the next generation of fencing professionals.
A Certificate III is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It represents trade-level skills and knowledge, and is the foundation for most licensed or registered trades in Australia. A Certificate III can be completed through full-time or part-time study, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), or as part of an apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship is a formal training arrangement that combines paid employment with structured training delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The apprentice works toward a Certificate III qualification while gaining practical, real-world experience on the job. Apprenticeships are backed by a training contract and may provide access to government support and industry licensing pathways.
Right now, fencing has neither a dedicated Certificate III qualification nor an apprenticeship pathway. The Skills Pathway Initiative is working to change that, by developing the qualification, securing national endorsement, and establishing the framework for a formal fencing apprenticeship. This is a critical step forward for building the future of fencing as a recognised, respected trade.
Image: Pilot fencing course at TAFE NSW campus in Orange.
