The process for onboarding trainee pest managers has been updated for NSW.
A major update to NSW pest management licensing regulations has been announced following negotiations between AEPMA and the Environment Protection Authority NSW.
At a meeting held on March 18, 2025 between AEPMA NSW/ACT delegates (Patrick Legey, Gary Stephenson and Paul Enwright) and EPA representatives, a new procedure was agreed upon.
“After nearly 18 months of sustained advocacy, we’re pleased to advise that an agreement has been reached allowing a ‘probation period’ before trainees must be enrolled in a registered training organisation (RTO) course. This outcome is a significant win for the industry,” commented Patrick Legey, AEPMA NSW/ACT State councillor and chairman.
The decision to introduce a probationary period for trainees solves a long-standing problem for pest management business owners.
The EPA NSW previously required all trainee pest managers to be enrolled in an RTO course from day one in order to obtain a trainee permit. This created a financial burden for businesses – especially if the new hire turned out to be unsuited to the role, as fees are often non-refundable or non-transferable. As of March 14, 2025, the new probation/exemption arrangement has been gazetted (with formal wording to be released by EPA soon).
“It is understood that businesses must still register a trainee for an EPA permit from their first day, but they will now have up to 12 weeks to provide evidence that the trainee has been enrolled with an RTO,” explained Mr Legey. “If they’re already enrolled earlier, that’s fine – but by week 12, businesses/trainees must either supply proof of enrolment or explain why it hasn’t occurred.
“Be aware that failure to register for a permit and complete RTO enrolment may impact the trainee’s ability to gain a full pest management licence and could result in penalties from the EPA if unlicensed work is carried out.
“AEPMA will share more details once the EPA NSW issues the official notice and the exemption is available on the EPA NSW Licensing Portal.”
This information is NSW specific, as the requirements for trainees vary by state. Developing an industry preferred process for the management of onboarding and training new recruits, which is consistent across states, will be part of the industry-led upcoming review into the pest management training package.
Whilst there is no federal funding to support the training of new pest technicians, AEPMA will continue to push for the inclusion of pest technician as a Priority Occupation under the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List (which also includes traineeships). Inclusion as a Priority Occupation will provide pest businesses with potential access to a range of government grants and support programs.
Mr Legey added, “A special thank you goes to our volunteer delegates on the NSW/ACT state council who’ve put in the time and effort to deliver this practical, cost-saving outcome. Both members and non-members across the state will benefit from this ruling, thanks to AEPMA’s continued advocacy. Pest managers who are interested in helping drive this kind of industry change can join AEPMA by contacting the national office ([email protected]).”
For any questions or assistance regarding the new trainee probationary period, contact Patrick Legey ([email protected]) or speak with any AEPMA state council delegate.
