The nature of apprenticeships is changing. Increasing proportions of adult apprentices are prompting demand for various alternative pathways to completion. One option for an alternative pathway to accelerate completion is the use of recognition of prior learning (RPL) to identify existing skills and knowledge in combination with gap training. This study investigates the extent to which recognition is occurring for adult trade apprentices. The impacts of earlier completion are explored, as is the pay-off to completion in terms of employment outcomes and wages for an adult trade apprentice by comparison with trade apprentices under the age of 25 years. Overall, this study suggests that shortened pathways are not adversely affecting the outcomes of the individual trade apprentices. Cultural attitudes to alternative pathways to completion during an apprenticeship and inconsistent treatment and funding of RPL, as well as a lack of understanding about the role and purpose of skill sets, may be having an impact on the full benefits arising from these flexibilities for both employers and individuals. Appended are: (1) Literature Review Search Strategy; (2) The National Apprenticeships Program; (3) Training Package Data; (4) Specific Projects Focusing on Early Completions and Mature Age Workers; (5) Further Analyses on Adults Completing Earlier; (6) Jurisdictional Data; (7) Detailed Occupational Data for Apprentices with RPL Activity; (8) NAP Case Study: Detailed Tables on Program Demand; (9) Apprentice Outline of CBWP and CBTP across States and Territories (from Dunn et al. 2011); and (10) Analysis of "Competency-Based Wage Progression" Appearing in Awards Containing Apprentice Conditions.