Charles Darwin University is currently undertaking a review into apprenticeship and training qualifications following the identification of compliance issues affecting some graduates.
This page provides clear, up-to-date information about who may be impacted, what the review involves, and what steps are being taken to address the situation.
Frequently asked questions: TAFE qualifications
Find answers and information regarding TAFE qualification impacts below.
I have a CDU TAFE qualification; how will I know if I’ve been impacted?
Charles Darwin University has already contacted a large number of individuals who have been impacted by a recent review into training and assessment records.
This review found that some required skills and knowledge within the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry were not fully confirmed when they were delivered. Some of these units also impact people in the Certificate II in Construction Pathways and VTP544 a short course.
CDU is currently contacting people who are impacted. The process of contacting impacted individuals es expected to occur across the month of February.
If you are impacted, CDU will contact you. If you have questions, contact us at TAFEquestions@cdu.edu.au.
Which courses are impacted?
The following courses have been impacted:
- CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
- CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways
- VTP544 in Power Tools
What will I need to do if I’m impacted?
There is a chance you have already demonstrated competency in the workplace; however, a percentage of individuals may need to complete additional training, undertake a theory assessment or both.
If you have received correspondence, we will outline the steps you will need to take to understand your individual circumstances.
If you have demonstrated competency in the workplace, a CDU VET lecturer will review your existing workplace evidence to determine if the required skills and knowledge have been displayed.
If further confirmation is needed, you may be required to do one or more of the following activities:
- complete a theory assessment,
- practical observation,
- training and assessment at a CDU campus.
If you are required to undertake additional activities to confirm your knowledge or skill, CDU will:
- explain what is needed and why,
- confirm how the activity will be carried out,
- determine a time and location with you to conduct these activities.
The maximum time required to complete these activities is two weeks. CDU will ensure minimal disruption to your work and personal commitments.
Once the required knowledge is demonstrated and confirmed, CDU will finalise the process, update the records accordingly, and notify you of this confirmation.
I am a business, how will I know if any of my apprentices are impacted?
CDU has already contacted many impacted individuals and is facilitating a follow-up process to ensure all necessary components are appropriately demonstrated and formally recorded.
This process includes liaising with businesses to ensure impacted apprentices and graduates can complete any additional activities with minimal disruptions to their schedules and to business operations.
Employers seeking to discuss this matter further can contact TAFEquestions@cdu.edu.au
If I’m required to undertake training and travel, will I need to pay?
For those who need to travel to a CDU campus to undertake this training, CDU will cover reasonable costs of travel and accommodation. It is a priority to ensure this process has minimal disruption to work and personal commitments.
What happens if I don't do the activities CDU has asked me to complete?
If you are required to complete additional training or theory activities, CDU will support you to do so with minimal disruption to your schedule.
If you do not engage in the activities, the University may be unable to confirm that all competency requirements have been met, which may affect the status of your assessment outcome or qualification.
If I’m impacted, does this mean I am unqualified or that my qualification is invalid?
No. Your qualification is not automatically invalid. However, where additional training or assessment is required, the University must be able to confirm that all competency requirements have been met.
If competency cannot be confirmed because required activities are not completed, the University may be required to amend or withdraw the relevant assessment outcome or qualification in line with regulatory requirements.
What is CDU doing to ensure this doesn’t happen again?
CDU is conducting an independent review to examine how this occurred and how we can ensure it does not happen again.
CDU operates the most substantial vocational training infrastructures in the Northern Territory, with major training centres across the jurisdiction. We are committed to ensuring that the Northern Territory continues to have a strong, reliable public vocational education provider.
If you have any questions about your individual circumstances, please contact TAFEquestions@cdu.edu.au
My contact details have changed and I haven't been contacted. How do I know if I'm impacted?
If you are unsure if you are affected, or if your contact details have changed and you would like to check, please contact us at TAFEquestions@cdu.edu.au.
Training industry rectification
Can CDU provide confirmation that this student’s Certificate III in Carpentry is compliant and meets all relevant training and regulatory requirements?
Statements of Attainment issued by Charles Darwin University remain valid certification under the Standards for RTOs unless they are formally withdrawn or amended.
Where concerns are identified, CDU is responsible for reviewing these in accordance with regulatory requirements and determining whether any additional assessment, remediation, or other action is required.
This process is currently underway. CDU is working closely with the regulator and will continue to communicate directly with affected students and employers as the review progresses.
Are extended training hours or weekend training available?
CDU is exploring flexible delivery options, including extended hours and weekend delivery, where appropriate.
Any changes to delivery schedules must align with staff enterprise agreement provisions, safety considerations and staff availability. CDU will continue to work with trainers and employers to identify practical scheduling options that support the timely completion of gap training.
Can training schedules be made more flexible to reduce business disruption?
Yes. CDU is committed to working collaboratively with apprentices, tradespeople and employers to deliver training in ways that minimise disruption to businesses while maintaining training quality and compliance.
Flexible scheduling options will be considered where feasible.
Can CDU provide financial support for labour hire or replacement trades during training?
CDU is not able to provide funding for labour hire or replacement staff.
However, the University is focused on supporting apprentices and tradespeople to complete the required gap training as efficiently as possible, minimising time away from the workplace.
What collaborative options are available to minimise operational impact?
CDU is working with students, apprentices, tradespeople and employers to identify practical options that support both training outcomes and workplace needs. These may include flexible scheduling, industry engagement during training delivery, and the recognition of relevant workplace experience where appropriate.
How can project timelines be protected during apprentice training periods?
Workplace project timelines are managed by employers. CDU will work with apprentices, tradespeople and employers to schedule the required training in a way that supports timely completion while recognising workplace commitments.
How can supervision and compliance obligations be maintained during absences?
Training schedules will be coordinated with employers to help ensure appropriate supervision ratios and workplace compliance requirements can continue to be maintained.
What happens if completed apprentices do not engage with the gap training process?
Engagement with the gap training and assessment activities is strongly encouraged to ensure that all required competencies are appropriately evidenced. Where individuals choose not to participate, the University may be unable to confirm that all competency requirements have been met. In such circumstances, the University may be required to take further action in relation to the certification issued, in accordance with regulatory requirements.
What payments will be provided for completed apprentices, and who receives them?
CDU is working with relevant stakeholders regarding appropriate day-rate payments for impacted apprentices.
Where apprentices are currently employed, payments would typically be directed through the employer, consistent with standard employment arrangements.
Further details will be communicated as arrangements are finalised.
Will apprentices be paid for completing the theory component?
Yes. Apprentices who have completed gap training and still require the completion of the additional theory component will receive two days of day-rate payment in recognition of the additional time required. Continuing students undertaking gap training will be provided the opportunity to complete the theory during the allocated training blocks.
When will the theory component be available?
The theory component became available from 10 March 2025, with students commencing access from 11 March 2025.
Will support be available for students with LLN needs?
Yes. CDU’s Learner Support team is available to provide assistance to students who require additional support in completing the theory component.
What is the timeframe for completing the theory?
Students are encouraged to complete the theory component as soon as possible. Students will be provided with an opportunity to complete the theory during gap training. A three-week period will be provided to submit the theory assessment.
What evidence will apprentices receive after completing gap training?
Students will be enrolled in a dedicated course code and will receive a Statement of Attendance or confirmation of completion.
Will travel costs be covered for apprentices who need to return to Darwin?
Yes. CDU will support reasonable travel expenses for eligible students, provided evidence is provided. Relevant travel allowances will be communicated directly to affected students.
Can CDU provide the recording from the information session?
CDU is reviewing the request and will confirm shortly whether the recording can be made available to industry stakeholders.
Will CDU follow up with apprentices who are not engaging?
Yes. CDU is actively monitoring engagement and will continue to follow up with students who have not yet engaged with the rectification process to ensure they can complete the required training.