See the real challenges you might encounter in your chosen field and start the practical training that will help you meet them

Apprenticeships give you the chance to pick up knowledge on the job and learn from the best - the perfect place to start a long and prosperous career – especially in today's trade-hungry job market.

Skills that pay off

Australia is suffering from a real shortage of skilled workers at the moment, meaning that if you choose a trade-based apprenticeship you could be setting yourself up for a great salary. Choose skills that are in heavy demand and fill the gap left by a generation of 'media' graduates to enjoy job security.

Earning while learning

One of the biggest boons apprenticeships offer is the chance to earn while you're learning. True, many training schemes start you off on a relatively low wage, but it's a significant improvement on having to fund your studies while working in an unskilled sector.

Tailored learning plans

While most apprenticeship schemes will have already drawn up balanced training plans with the help of a training organisation, they are rarely set in stone. If there's a particular sector you want to learn more about or a set of skills you're keen to develop, your training plan can often be adapted to suit.

‘Hands on' approaches

Rather than learning about what you want to do in a classroom, you have the chance to get stuck in and have a go at it yourself. See the real challenges you might encounter in your chosen field and start the practical training that will help you meet them.

Getting the timing right

Apprenticeships can also be tailored to make sure they last for the appropriate amount of time. Unlike the cookie-cutter style of many higher education options, not all apprenticeships have to sign up to three or four-year periods of study. Instead, they can be just as long as they need to be to pass on all of the necessary skills.

Like the idea of an apprenticeship but don't know where to start? Check out the list of available courses at TAFE NSW to see the huge selection of apprenticeships and traineeships to choose from.