Trade Papers: Supporting Employers and Apprentices

The diverse range of industries that use Trade Papers include automotive, electrical, construction, engineering, health, aviation, cookery, hospitality, and hairdressing.

What is a Trade Paper?

A Trade Paper is formal recognition that an individual has successfully completed their training through an apprenticeship and is qualified for their occupation.

Job candidates can present a prospective employer with their qualification certificate from their training institute, but employers reported they found it difficult to assess a candidate’s skills from the many courses and qualifications available. VETASSESS’ engagement for the Victorian Trade Papers project involved consulting with Industry Advisory Groups on mapping qualifications to occupational titles.

It is a relatively simple process to apply for a Trade Paper and there is no cost to the individual. They apply online to the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), answering a few identifying questions and uploading evidence as required.

The Paper itself is a commemorative certificate on parchment which they can take to a prospective employer.

VETASSESS administers the portal for the papers to be issued and we can quickly check that an individual is eligible for their Trade Pape

It is a straightforward solution that supports apprentices and addresses government policy and an industry need.

More information on Trade Papers is available here