NSW Gov Is Scrapping TAFE Fees For 100,000 Apprenticeships

For students in NSW, becoming an apprentice could become a whole lot cheaper.

The NSW Government will waive fees for 100,000 TAFE apprenticeships starting in July of this year.

According to the ABC, the NSW Government will announce the news tomorrow in their state budget, to address the apprenticeship drought in trade industries.

John Barilaro, the state's deputy premier and skills minister, told the ABC that the fee was a barrier to some students, so removing it will hopefully get more into the field.

"We've heard that even a $2,000 fee seems to be a disincentive, therefore we're removing the disincentive to encourage more young people into trades," he said.

"Whether you want to be a carpenter, pastry cook or hairdresser, if it's an apprenticeship in NSW you'll be eligible for fee-free."

Each student will save around $2,000 per course, which goes a long way given that apprentices are generally paid quite low wages.

So, who can get a free apprenticeship? Any students who have yet to enrol in an apprenticeship or wish to change courses are eligible once the policy comes into effect. 

The fee-scrapping will become a reality on 1 July of this year.

Photo: King World Productions