Key Takeaways:
- Build Skills Australia is progressing multiple 2025 projects across the CPC, CPP and RII training packages, ensuring qualifications reflect industry and regulatory changes.
- CPC training package initiatives include reviews linked to silica safety, hydrogen technology, insulation, migrant plumber licensing, and safety unit updates.
- CPP training package projects focus on property management courses, such as pest control and swimming pool and spa servicing, to better align with evolving practices.
- RII training package projects target the resources and infrastructure industry training package, with updates to civil construction and utility locating to strengthen safety and workforce readiness.
- RTOs can prepare by auditing their delivery scope, upgrading construction training courses and other materials, upskilling staff, and securing updated resources early.
Australia’s VET system is preparing for a new wave of updates in 2025. Build Skills Australia has launched several projects across the RII, CPP, and CPC training packages to ensure qualifications remain relevant, safe, and compliant. These projects address critical issues such as workplace safety, new energy technologies, and industry skill shortages.
Below, we’ll explore the major projects underway, their objectives, and expected timelines, before outlining practical steps RTOs should take now.
CPC Training Package Projects
Engineered Stone Review
From July 2024, the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone was prohibited in Australia due to the serious health risks posed by crystalline silica dust. Cutting or polishing these materials can release fine particles that cause life-threatening illnesses like silicosis.
This project is focused on reviewing and updating the nationally recognised training products associated with crystalline silica. The goal is to ensure the training reflects current laws and prepares workers to manage silica risks effectively.
Affected Training Products:
| Qualifications: |
|---|
| CPC20822 Certificate II in Prefabricated Concrete Element Installation |
| CPC32320 Certificate III in Stonemasonry |
| CPC41020 Certificate IV in Demolition |
Timeline: This project is currently in the feedback stage.
Hydrogen Skill Needs in the Plumbing and Gas Industry
Hydrogen is a key part of Australia’s clean energy strategy, but no formal qualifications currently exist for technicians working with hydrogen systems. With commercial hydrogen installations already happening, this poses a major safety and skills gap.
Build Skills Australia is updating 10 units of competency that cover hydrogen chemistry, storage and handling, installation and servicing, and the operation of fuel cells and electrolysers. A new unit covering risk assessment is also being created. The aim is to build a capable workforce of plumbers and gasfitters trained specifically for hydrogen applications.
Affected Training Products:
| Qualifications: |
|---|
| CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing |
| CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services |
| Units of Competency: |
|---|
| CPCPGS3052 Maintain Type A gas appliance |
| CPCPGS3048 Install gas pressure control equipment |
| CPCPGS3049 Install gas appliance flues |
| CPCPGS3051 Purge consumer piping |
| CPCPGS3053 Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances |
| CPCPGS3055 Install gas sub-meters |
| CPCPGS3056 Size and install consumer gas piping systems |
| CPCPGS3061 Install and commission Type A gas appliances |
| CPCPGS4023 Install, commission and service Type B gas appliances |
Timeline: This project is currently in the feedback stage.
Insulation Installation and Inspection Training Product Development
Currently, insulation workers lack nationally recognised pathways, leaving the industry reliant on non-mandatory construction training courses. This gap has raised concerns about whether buildings are being insulated to standard and whether inspections are adequate.
This project responds to industry calls for action by creating formal training products. The focus will be on safe and efficient installation techniques, as well as the inspection of installed insulation to ensure compliance and performance. These new construction training courses will help establish clear benchmarks for the industry.
Affected Training Products:
| Qualifications: |
|---|
| CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining |
| CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction |
| Units of Competency: |
|---|
| CPCCPB3014 Install bulk insulation and pliable membrane products |
| CPCCPB3027 Install ceiling insulation products |
Timeline: This project is currently in the feedback stage.
Minimum Australian Context Gap Training for Migrant Plumbers
Unlike other trades, migrant plumbers seeking Australian licensing must complete the full Certificate III in Plumbing. The lack of a nationally consistent “gap course” creates inequities and slows licensing processes.
This project explores the development of a Minimum Australian Context Gap course for migrant plumbers. It will consider how to recognise overseas qualifications while ensuring workers meet local compliance and safety requirements. A national approach would streamline licensing and provide clarity across jurisdictions.
Timeline: This project is currently in the feedback stage.
Implementation of ‘Prepare to Work Safely’ for CPC and CPP Qualifications
The CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry unit replaced CPCCWHS1001 in 2022. While many qualifications have already transitioned, some qualifications and skill sets still reference the superseded unit.
This project ensures CPC and CPP qualifications are updated with the current unit, while also addressing other outdated competencies and prerequisites. For qualifications outside Build Skills Australia’s scope, collaboration with other JSCs is underway to maintain consistency across the training system.
Affected Training Products:
| Qualifications: | Changes: |
|---|---|
| CPC10120 Certificate I in Construction | Superseded by CPC10126 Certificate I in Construction |
| CPC30420 Certificate III in Demolition | Superseded by CPC30426 Certificate III in Demolition |
| CPC41020 Certificate IV in Demolition | Updated from Release 5 to 6 |
| CPP20121 Certificate II in Surveying and Spatial Information Services | Superseded by CPP20125 Certificate II in Surveying and Spatial Information Services |
| CPP20319 Certificate II in Technical Security | Superseded by CPP20326 Certificate II in Technical Security |
| CPP30119 Certificate III in Urban Pest Management | Updated from Release 3 to 4 |
| CPP30221 Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services | Superseded by CPP30225 Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services |
| CPP40121 Certificate IV in Residential Drafting | Updated from Release 1 to 2 |
| CPP41119 Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability | Superseded by CPP41125 Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability |
| CPP50921 Diploma of Building Design | Updated from Release 2 to 3 |
| NWP20122 Certificate II in Water Industry Operations | Updated from Release 1 to 2 |
| NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations | Updated from Release 1 to 2 |
| NWP40120 Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations | Updated from Release 2 to 3 |
| NWP50118 Diploma of Water Industry Operations | Superseded by NWP50125 Diploma of Water Industry Operations |
| Units of Competency: | Changes: |
|---|---|
| CPCCDE3014 Remove non-friable asbestos | Superseded by CPCCDE3028 Remove non-friable asbestos |
| CPCCDE3015 Remove friable asbestos | Superseded by CPCCDE3029 Remove friable asbestos |
| CPCCDE3016 Identify hazards on demolition sites and apply risk management strategies | Updated from Release 2 to 3 |
| CPCCDE4008 Supervise asbestos removal | Superseded by CPCCDE4009 Supervise asbestos removal |
Timeline: This project has concluded and updated training products have been uploaded on training.gov.au.
Formwork Falsework Training Product Review
Currently, learners entering formwork and falsework must often complete the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry. However, many stakeholders argue that this qualification does not adequately prepare workers for the specialised demands of formwork and falsework roles.
Build Skills Australia is assessing current and deleted training products to determine whether a more tailored solution is required. The review will rely heavily on industry feedback to ensure any updated qualifications accurately reflect job requirements.
Affected Training Products:
| Qualifications: |
|---|
| CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry |
Timeline: This project is currently in the feedback stage.
CPP Training Package Projects
Urban Pest Management Review
Evolving pest control practices and new regulatory requirements have left existing qualifications outdated. The CPP30119 Certificate III in Urban Pest Management and CPP41619 Certificate IV in Urban Pest Management are being reviewed to ensure they equip technicians with up-to-date, practical skills.
The project’s outcome will be modernised property management courses that deliver fit-for-purpose training and produce graduates capable of meeting industry expectations. New skill sets and units of competency have also been developed.
Timeline: This project is under review, with completion planned for 2026.
CPP Swimming Pool and Spa Review
Concerns raised by stakeholders reveal that the CPP31218 Certificate III in Swimming Pool and Spa Service and CPP41319 Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service are no longer aligned with industry needs. Challenges include outdated units, poor vocational pathways in the Certificate IV, and insufficient preparation for service technicians in the Certificate III.
This review will update both qualifications to create future-focused training products. The goal is to strengthen pathways into employment and ensure technicians are skilled for both domestic and commercial pool and spa servicing. New core and elective units for these qualifications have been developed.
Timeline: This project is under review, with updates expected in 2026.
RII Training Package Projects
Civil Construction Review
BuildSkills Australia has completed its Civil Construction Review, resulting in updates to over 20 training products within the RII Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package. The project reviewed civil construction qualifications, core and elective units, and superseded imported units to better reflect current work practices, new technologies, and industry needs.
Six of the updated training products are co-owned by BuildSkills Australia and AUSMASA, reflecting the shared responsibility for parts of the RII Training Package.
Affected Training Products:
| Old Qualifications: | New Qualifications: |
|---|---|
| RII30920 Certificate III in Civil Construction | RII30926 Certificate III in Civil Construction |
| RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations | RII30826 Certificate III in Civil Construction |
| RII40720 Certificate IV in Civil Construction | RII40720 Certificate IV in Civil Construction (Release 3) |
Timeline: The review has concluded, with all updated training products published on training.gov.au as of September 2026.
Utility Locating Unit Review
Excavation work requires accurate identification of underground services such as electricity, water, and gas. Mistakes can endanger workers, disrupt communities, and cause significant costs.
This project will review RIICCM202E Identify, locate and protect underground services and consider the development of additional training products. The aim is to both enhance the skills of professional utility locators and provide basic ground-breaking knowledge for tradespeople working around buried infrastructure.
Timeline: This project is in the scoping phase, with outcomes estimated for 2026.
How to Prepare Your RTO for Change
Training package transitions can be disruptive, but RTOs that act early will avoid compliance and delivery challenges. To prepare effectively:
- Audit your scope to identify which CPC, CPP, and RII qualifications are impacted.
- Map transition timelines and prepare delivery plans before deadlines.
- Invest in updated training resources for construction training courses and property management courses to stay compliant.
- Upskill trainers and assessors in emerging areas such as hydrogen safety and utility locating.
- Collaborate with industry partners to align training outcomes with workforce needs.
- Secure updated resources early to avoid delivery disruptions once older qualifications are phased out.
Want to learn how to create effective and compliant transition plans to make training package changes easier? Read our guide on mastering ASQA transitions and building transition plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of these CPC training package updates?
They target safety and workforce readiness, covering areas such as crystalline silica management, hydrogen energy, insulation, and migrant plumber licensing.
How will property management courses under the CPP training package change?
They will be updated to reflect new industry standards in pest management and pool/spa servicing, ensuring graduates are trained for real-world roles.
Why is the RII training package being reviewed in collaboration with AUSMASA?
Because the resources and infrastructure industry training package is jointly managed, ensuring both the construction and mining sectors are represented in updated training products.
How should RTOs manage their transition plans?
RTOs should track timelines on training.gov.au, update resources promptly, and provide professional development to trainers ahead of implementation dates.
What benefits do learners and employers gain from these updated qualifications?
Learners graduate with current, job-ready skills, while employers gain confidence that workers meet compliance and safety standards.
Conclusion
Build Skills Australia’s 2025 projects across the RII, CPP, and CPC training packages will significantly reshape qualifications in construction, property, and civil industries. By preparing now, RTOs can ensure smooth transitions, deliver compliant construction training courses and property management courses and continue producing graduates who are ready to meet the demands of a modern workforce.
