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Fee-free* apprenticeships

Demand for tradespeople is at an all-time high in Australia. Enrol in a fee-free* apprenticeship at TAFE NSW, and the NSW Government will cover your student fee for new apprentices. Now is the time to master your dream trade.

* Subject to availability

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships combine formal study with on-the-job training. They play a key role in developing a skilled workforce, supporting local businesses and strengthening the future of industries across NSW.

Depending on your industry and course, you'll spend 3-4 years studying as an apprentice.

By studying an apprenticeship, you can:

gain valuable skills, knowledge and experience
work in an in-demand, lucrative industry
earn a salary while you learn.

Learn more about apprenticeships and how you can become an apprentice below.

Learn more

Fee-free* eligibility

To be eligible for a fee-free* apprenticeship, including school-based apprenticeships, you must:

have an employer that is signed up as an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP)
be funded under the NSW Government's Smart and Skilled Program
commence your apprenticeship before 30 June 2025
not have exceeded the maximum of three fee-free* apprenticeships under this initiative.

Additional assistance

If you are someone who is living with disability, your employer may also be eligible for financial help. This can include assistance to modify or adjust your workplace through the Employment Assistance Fund.

*Subject to availability

Browse TAFE NSW courses Search Smart and Skilled

Employers

Employers no longer have to pay student fees for Smart and Skilled funded apprenticeship courses that started on or after 1 July 2018.

The NSW Government will:

handle the $2,000 student fee
pay directly to the Smart and Skilled training provider
help ensure your business has the skilled staff it needs to succeed
ensure a smooth and reliable process for all parties involved.

TAFE NSW offers a range of apprenticeship courses in various industries. Take a look at some of our most popular courses below.

Top apprenticeships

An electrician wearing a yellow hard hat works on an electrical panel, inspecting the wiring while holding a laptop for diagnostics.

Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)

You’ll be fault-finding one day and inspecting the next, as you learn on the job as an apprentice electrician.

A young technician in a blue coverall works on a boiler system, adjusting a component while examining the pipes and tank.

Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber) (CPC32420)

Gain practical experience working with water, gas and drainage systems to become a trade-qualified plumber or gasfitter.

A man wearing safety glasses and ear muffs is bent over, looking along a plank of timber. He’s reaching along the wood with one hand, and in the other, he’s holding a hand tool.

Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)

Learn project management skills and work on various indoor and outdoor projects, including roofing, walls and floors.

Two men in blue overalls and safety glasses lean over a workbench, concentrating on some plans. One is making a measurement while the other watches on.

Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219)

Gain skills and knowledge in diverse industries, including naval shipping, sustainable energy, mining, power and aviation.

Two young mechanics in blue coveralls work together under the hood of a car in an auto repair setting. They are smiling and are engaged in the repair process.

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620)

Go beyond tinkering and develop your abilities to solve complex problems and make repairs on a range of vehicles.

A young woman is wearing a red bandana in her hair and an apron. She is cutting another woman’s hair. The woman getting her curly hair cut, sits in smock reading.

Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416)

Launch your career as a qualified hairdresser or hairstylist and learn to cut, colour and create styles your clients will love.