Make your voice count today and help influence how apprenticeships are delivered in NSW through the next phase of reforms. The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 (A&T Act) Review is a critical step towards refreshing the apprenticeship and traineeship system.

What will the A&T Act Review focus on?

The review is about modernising the law, so apprenticeships and traineeships are high quality, accessible and future ready. It is guided by five reform directions:

1. Strengthening protections and safeguards
   Improving safety, quality and consistency across the system.
   
2. Making responsibilities clearer for employers and training providers
   Setting clearer expectations so apprentices and trainees get the support they need to succeed.
   
3. Giving learners more flexible training options
   Reflecting how people live, work and learn today, with more flexible pathways.
   
4. Supporting learner progress and successful outcomes
   Streamlining processes, reducing barriers to progression, and strengthening supports to keep learners engaged and finishing.
   
5. Modernising and simplifying the system
   Cutting complexity, improving digital access, and lifting overall performance so the framework is easier to navigate.

NSW is reviewing the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act. If you employ or train apprentices, your insights matter. There are two ways to contribute:

• Complete the consultation paper and response form by 17 October 2025.
• Complete an anonymous survey for apprentices, trainees, training organisations and employers by 31 October 2025.

Good news for cabinetmaking and wood trades

The Australian Government has confirmed significant support for apprentices and employers in priority trades, including cabinetmaking and allied wood trades.  If you are training, or planning to train, an apprentice in one of the recognised qualifications in our industry below, there is direct financial help available for both the apprentice and the business

Who is eligible in our industry

Under the Key Apprenticeship Program, Housing Construction Apprenticeship stream, eligible apprentices training towards an occupation on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List and identified as a housing construction occupation can claim payments across their apprenticeship journey, up to a total of $10,000 for full-time or $5,000 for part-time, with payments made at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months, and at completion. Apprentices cannot receive KAP and the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment at the same time.

Employers of priority-trade apprentices can access the Priority Hiring Incentive, paid at six and 12 months from commencement, to help offset onboarding and training costs, up to $5,000 for full-time ($2,000 at six months, $3,000 at 12 months).

Recognised occupations and example qualifications relevant to cabinetmaking and wood trades include:

• Cabinet Maker MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
• Carpenter CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
• Joiner CPC31920 Certificate III in Joinery
• Glazier MSF31422 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
• Wood Machinist FWP31121 Certificate III in Wood Machining.
• Shopfitter CPC30120 Certificate III in Shopfitting

What apprentices can receive

Key Apprenticeship Program, Housing Construction stream (KAP-HCA):

Up to $10,000 for full-time apprentices, paid $2,000 at each of 6, 12, 24 and 36 months, plus $2,000 at completion. Part-time apprentices receive half these amounts.

Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment (alternative to KAP):

Where an apprentice is not on KAP, they may be eligible for the Training Support Payment, up to $5,000 over the first two years, paid $1,750 at 6 months, $1,750 at 12 months, $750 at 18 months, $750 at 24 months. This payment cannot be received concurrently with KAP.

What employers can receive

Priority Hiring Incentive:

Up to $5,000 for full-time apprentices in eligible occupations, paid $2,000 at 6 months and $3,000 at 12 months. Part-time rates are $1,000 and $1,500. Only one year’s worth of payments can be claimed for a single apprenticeship.

Key dates

• For KAP eligibility, apprentices must commence or recommence on or after 1 July 2025.
• For Priority Hiring Incentive, employers must commence or recommence apprentices on or after 1 July 2024

How to activate your claim

1. Start with your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider. They facilitate the Training Contract and do a preliminary eligibility check, then the Department notifies when claims are ready.
   
2. Confirm your occupation and qualification are on the Priority List at commencement.
   
3. Lodge claims in the Apprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS). Apprentices claim KAP or Training Support payments, employers claim the Priority Hiring Incentive. Keep payroll or wage evidence showing the apprentice was in training at the claim period end date.
   
4. Watch the Effect dates and time limits, claims open the day after each claim period end, with 12 months to lodge.

The Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) is proud to announce the official launch of its School-Based Apprenticeship Training (SBAT) program in New South Wales—a game-changing initiative designed to strengthen our industry by investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

The program gives students in Years 10 and 11 the opportunity to start a part-time apprenticeship while completing their Higher School Certificate (HSC), working towards the nationally recognised MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Kitchens & Bathrooms). It allows students to combine paid, hands-on work with structured learning, building essential skills and experience before they even finish school.

With a minimum requirement of 100 days of paid employment to be completed across Years 10 to 12, students gain meaningful insight into the trade, while employers benefit from having an engaged and trainable team member. Once the student finishes school, they transition straight into the second year of a full-time apprenticeship — saving businesses time and money on recruitment and training.

One of the key benefits of the SBAT program is that all training costs are subsidised by the NSW Government, making it a highly cost-effective way for employers to grow their workforce. Additionally, employers may be eligible for financial incentives, further reducing the cost of hiring and training.

ACFA provides full support throughout the process, including regular workplace visits from qualified trainers/assessors and access to a dedicated SBAT Engagement Officer at the student’s school.

This initiative is more than just a training opportunity—it’s a long-term workforce development strategy. With the cabinet making and furniture industry facing growing skills shortages, SBAT is a proactive way to secure future talent, build capacity, and help shape the future of the trade.

Whether you’re a business looking to expand your team or a student ready to explore a hands-on career, the ACFA SBAT program offers an exciting pathway forward.

To find out more or express interest in participating, contact ACFA or download a copy of our fact sheets:

Let’s build the future of our industry—together.

CONTACT DETAILS: 1300 342 248 or email training@acfa.net.au.

ACFA Welcomes Government’s Housing Construction Apprenticeship Incentive

Calls for Clarity on Eligible Trades

The Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) welcomes the Federal Government’s $626.9 million Housing Construction Apprenticeship Incentive Program, set to launch on 1 July 2025, providing $10,000 in staged incentive payments to eligible apprentices in the residential construction sector.

This initiative is a critical step in addressing Australia’s housing crisis, with a national target of 1.2 million new homes over five years, requiring an additional 90,000 skilled workers in the industry. ACFA strongly supports this investment in workforce development and the Government’s commitment to growing skilled trades.

ACFA has contacted Andrew Giles, Minister for Industry, Skills, and Training, along with Sussan Ley, Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills, and Training, requesting confirmation on whether the MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology will be included as an eligible apprenticeship under the program.

Cabinet Making: Essential to Construction and Recognised as a Priority Trade

Cabinetmaking is a fundamental trade within residential and commercial construction, responsible for essential interior elements such as kitchen joinery, bathroom vanities, wardrobes, and bespoke storage solutions. Without cabinetmakers, homes and commercial buildings cannot be completed to a functional and liveable standard.

Furthermore, cabinetmaking is already listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, acknowledging its critical role in the construction industry and national skills demand. Apprentices training in priority occupations are eligible for additional financial support, reinforcing the need for cabinetmaking to be included in the Housing Construction Apprenticeship Incentive Program.

Clearer Guidelines Needed to Support Workforce Growth

ACFA urges the Government to expedite the announcement of eligible apprenticeships under this program to provide certainty for apprentices, employers, and training providers. Delayed clarification could result in missed opportunities to attract new entrants to the industry, making it harder to meet the Government’s housing targets.

Cabinetmakers are the finishing trade that brings homes to completion, and it makes absolute sense that the MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology is included in the incentive program. Without cabinetmakers, homes remain incomplete. The sooner we receive confirmation, the better we can support apprenticeship growth in this essential trade.

ACFA Stands Ready to Support the Implementation

As the leading industry body representing cabinetmakers, joiners, and the broader furniture industry, ACFA is committed to working with the Government and industry stakeholders to ensure apprentices in this vital trade receive the support they need.

ACFA commends the Government for investing in the skilled workforce needed to build Australia’s future, and we look forward to cabinetmaking apprentices being recognised under this initiative.

ACFA calls on the Government to provide clarity sooner than later on the eligibility criteria for apprenticeships under this incentive, ensuring cabinetmaking is rightfully included and apprentices are encouraged to enter and remain in the industry.

Dean Brakell

CEO
Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA)

RTO: 90432

Media Inquiries:

For Media Inquiries, please get in touch with our Training Department via 1300 342 248 or info@acfa.net.au

In a recent initiative aimed to enlighten career advisors about the potential career paths within the cabinet, joinery, and furniture industry, the Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) (RTO: 90432) hosted an inspiring tour at Castlewood Kitchens, in Western Sydney. This tour, the first of its kind for ACFA, was part of a broader effort to showcase the vibrant career opportunities available to young aspirants through a Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (MSF30322).

The tour saw career advisors from various schools in the area immerse themselves in the day-to-day operations of Castlewood Kitchens, a prominent member of ACFA. The advisors gained firsthand insight into the intricate world of cabinet making, highlighting not just the craftsmanship involved but also the technological and design skills that are integral to the industry.

Geoff Dickson, one of the attendees, praised the initiative as a “great opportunity” and expressed a keen interest in bringing students to witness the process firsthand, possibly integrating it into vocational education and training (VET) programs. He suggested, “It would be great to have a forum at the college with Year 10 students before they select their subjects for Year 11.” Dickson also highlighted the potential of having ACFA representatives like Glen speak to students, especially to those who might not have direct familial ties to the trades, to broaden their horizons regarding career possibilities.

Nashwa Karafotias from St Agnes Catholic High School found the day “extremely informative” Karafotias also recommended that students currently working in the industry should visit schools to speak about their experiences, thereby making the industry more relatable to younger students.

A significant takeaway for the advisors was the list of potential employers provided by ACFA, which is a valuable resource for guiding students towards meaningful employment opportunities in the industry. The combination of witnessing the work environment and hearing directly from apprentices and seasoned professionals offered a comprehensive view of the industry’s appeal and the robust support system available to newcomers.

The Career Advisor Tour by ACFA at Castlewood Kitchens represents a pivotal step in opening doors for future generations to consider trades and industries that they might not have previously contemplated. By connecting educational professionals directly with the realities of the industry, ACFA is ensuring that more students are aware of and can access the fulfilling career opportunities that lie in the fields of cabinet making, joinery, and furniture production. This initiative not only enlightens but also inspires, paving the way for a new wave of skilled craftsmen and women who will shape the future of this vibrant industry.

The Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association is celebrating 75 Years of serving the industry. As a specialised association, we are proud of what we have achieved. Being an Industry-Specific Association delivering personalised service for such a significant amount of time is a significant milestone and is a testament to the hard work of ACFA Board Members, Staff and Members.

Fred White, President of ACFA, spoke of the significance of 75 Years. He said, “To see how far we have come as an association, we are very proud of what we have achieved. Our membership numbers have continued to grow and reflect our true national approach. The issues of our industry have changed, but ACFA has always been there advocating for what is best.”

ACFA is excited by the future, and exploring more ways to support our industry, with short courses and growing their business resources. ACFA will look to mark this celebration during the 2023 Industry Awards in September. Click here for more information on our 2023 Awards.

WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED OVER THE YEARS!

When ACFA looks back at 75 Years as an association, it is difficult to summarise everything we have achieved. Here are just some of the key achievements:

When first established on the 3rd of June 1948, the NSW Furniture Guide (as it was then known), was incorporated as part of the launch of the Furniture Industry Association of Australia (FIAA). Throughout the decades that followed, the association grew in recognition for advocating on behalf of the industry.

In some of FIAA’s early years, the association was also involved in the running of the Australian Furniture Fair and drafted the Furnishing Trades Award with the Industry Committee. As FIAA grew, it focused on lobbying for the increase to the threshold & exemptions for our industry regarding Home Warranty Insurance (NSW) and Initiated the Worker Compensation Premium Discount Scheme. 

WorkCover NSW (now Safework NSW) engaged with FIAA to run a Safety Coach program in 2013 with the aim to provide free one-on-one advice on better ways to manage risks and how best to implement sustainable safety practices. Our efforts in this program saw FIAA recognised as a finalist in the 2014 WorkCover NSW Safety Leadership Awards.

In 2017, FIAA launched our Industry Awards, celebrating and recognising the hard work and skills within our industry. The annual awards night was created as a way to showcase the high-quality work our industry achieves and come together to celebrate the people excelling in our industry. 

Through funding granted by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training, FIAA across both 2018 and 2019, successfully ran a mentoring program for 1st and 2nd Year Apprentices. Titled Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices (ISMAA), this mentoring saw an increase in apprentices completing their training and helped them get a solid foundation towards a long-term career in our industry. 

A recent achievement the ACFA Team looks back upon is their COVID Response across 2020 and 2021. ACFA spent countless hours confirming details of restrictions and making enquiries with the government for each state. ACFA provided the support businesses needed to continue to operate in the correct manner. A record number of phone calls with the Workplace Advice Team and email communications sent highlights the dedication the association has to the industry.

Dean Brakell, CEO of ACFA, marked the occasion by reflecting on the work undertaken to represent and advocate for the industry. “Over the years ACFA has been privileged to be recognised at higher levels of Government with our work with SafeWork, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Home Builders Insurance. Our sector of manufacturing in Australia needed an association that represented the unique aspects of our industry, and that is what ACFA has done.”

Other key milestones achieved include 26 Years as a Registered Training Organisation, providing Workplace-Based Training for the next generation of our industry. ACFA has grown to become the largest private RTO (RTO: 90432) for Cabinet Making, KBLR and RPL Qualifications.

You may spot wording on our website regarding our courses being superseded.

The Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) has been training apprentices in Cabinet Making for over 25 Years. As a leading RTO for our sector, ACFA has been involved in the development of updates set to come into place to better reflect the changes that have taken place within our industry.

The course you maybe be familiar with is MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making.

Across our website and brochures, you will see the disclaimer; “This course has been superseded. You can still enrol in this course, and ACFA will contact you when you need to transition into the next version when it is available”

What this means is that you can continue to enrol apprentices or enrol in our RPL Program. Our Admissions Team will get you started and when the time comes, ACFA will transition you across to the new package. Our team have worked hard to ensure a smooth transition will take place. A lot of the changeover will happen behind the scenes for some students.

From late 2023, you will start to see the new training package, known as MSF30322 – Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology, come into play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Team at 1300 342 248 or training@acfa.net.au