Smart and Skilled 2025-26 update

Training Services NSW have announced a six-month extension of Smart & Skilled fee-free apprenticeships and traineeships, now running until 31 December 2025. Apprentices and trainees who commence their training with a Smart and Skilled Registered Training Organisation before 31st December 2025 will access fee-free training.

This means:

• Apprentices and Trainees are exempt from up-front costs of up to $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.
• For eligible learners, no student fee will be payable by the individual or the employer.

To be eligible, apprentices and trainees must commence off-the-job training with a Smart and Skilled registered training provider on or before 31 December 2025.

There are no changes for students who have already started or will start eligible training before 30 June 2025.

There may be updates to approved programs, qualifications, and Financial Caps for individual providers, reflecting changes in available funding and updated training priorities.