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 after 1 July 2018.

If you have previously commenced your Smart and Skilled apprenticeship training before 1 July 2018 and are returning to an apprenticeship after 1 July 2018, 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 after 1 July 2018, you do not have to pay a fee. If you started training before 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 after 1 July 2018, you will be eligible for fee free for the remainder of your training if your apprenticeship course or your employer has changed.

Only apprenticeship training commencing from 1 July 2018 is fee free. You are still required to pay any outstanding fee to your training provider.

If you are part way through your apprenticeship training and were required to re-commence your training after 1 July 2018 due to a change of employer, the remainder of your training will be fee free.

If you've started training with your training provider before 1 July 2018 you are not eligible for a refund. If the training component of your apprenticeship started after 1 July 2018, your training provider must refund the student fee(s) you have paid to date.

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.