Fee-free apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a proven pathway to well-paid jobs in a diverse range of careers. In NSW, apprenticeships are also fee free until 30 June 2025– meaning no more upfront training costs for students or employers.
There’s never been a better time to start an apprenticeship in NSW. The NSW Government is paying the course cost for new apprenticeships – meaning apprentices undertaking a government funded apprenticeship no longer face a student fee of up to $2000.
Apprenticeships are a great career pathway. They combine on-the-job training with classroom study to give you the skills and experience employers are looking for. Apprenticeships generally take around 3-4 years to complete, and apprentices earn a salary while they learn.
There are more than 120 different apprenticeship courses available in NSW, in a range of industries including construction, cooking, aviation and automotive.
- Search all NSW apprenticeships funded under Smart and Skilled.
- Discover the top 20 apprenticeship courses in NSW
Am I eligible?
Fee free apprenticeships are available to NSW apprentices – including school-based apprentices whose training:
- is funded under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled Program
- commences before 30 June 2025
If you withdrew from your apprenticeship prior to 1 July 2018 and recommenced your apprenticeship with the same or a new employer and restart your Smart and Skilled apprenticeship course before 30 June 2025, the remainder of your apprenticeship course will be free.
- Traineeship training is also fee free under the Fee Free Traineeships Initiative.
Apprenticeship FAQs
With more than 120 different apprenticeship courses available in NSW through VET, there’s something to suit everyone. Think about your strengths and interests, and the kind of work and industry you might enjoy.
Search all available apprenticeship courses and talk to a trusted adult, career advisor and local employers for support and guidance.
Once you know the industry and apprenticeship course you’re interested in, you’ll need to find an employer who will take you on as a new apprentice. It’s like looking for a job – only with plenty of help and support available.
Polish up your CV and follow this 5-step process.
Step 1: Search apprenticeship courses. Find the one that most appeals.
Step 2: Secure an apprenticeship. Look for vacancies online, through group training organisations, the Apprenticeship Employment Network, and/or your school and community networks.
Step 3. Work with your employer and Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) to determine the apprenticeship course that best suits your work environment.
Step 4. Sign a training contract with your employer and ANP.
Step 5. Receive your training contract ID number and develop a full training plan. After completing a probationary period, your apprenticeship will be officially registered.
Smart and Skilled is a NSW Government program that offers subsidised training for courses on the NSW Skills List, which identifies industry areas that need more qualified workers.
To be eligible, you must be a NSW apprentice or NSW school-based apprentice, and have commenced your Smart and Skilled apprenticeship training before 30 June 2025.
If you have previously commenced your Smart and Skilled apprenticeship training before 1 July 2018 and are returning to an apprenticeship before 30 June 2025, you will be eligible for fee free for the remainder of your training if your apprenticeship course or your employer has changed.
If you've started training with your training provider before 30 June 2025, you do not have to pay a fee. If you start training after this date, the student fee must still be paid.
If you have previously commenced your Smart and Skilled apprenticeship training before 1 July 2018 and are returning to an apprenticeship before 30 June 2025, you will be eligible for fee free for the remainder of your training if your apprenticeship course or your employer has changed.
Smart and Skilled provides fee exemptions to students with a disability, which means you will not have to pay a fee.
You may also be entitled to financial support to help you complete an apprenticeship. There are employment agencies that specialise in providing assistance tailored to your individual circumstances.
Your employer may be eligible for financial help when they employ a person with disability. This can include wage subsidies through the support for Australian Apprentices with Disability program, or assistance to modify or adjust your workplace through the Employment Assistance Fund.
Smart and Skilled provides fee exemptions to Aboriginal students which means you will not have to pay a fee.
You may also be able to receive support under various Aboriginal Initiatives programs.