New South Wales

Government-funded automotive training in New South Wales

This training is subsidised by the NSW Government through Smart & Skilled. Eligible NSW students can access subsidised automotive apprenticeships and traineeships through Mechanist (RTO 6194). Eligibility is confirmed before enrolment.

NSW Smart & Skilled — how it works for automotive students

Smart & Skilled subsidises training up to Certificate III for eligible NSW residents. For apprenticeships and traineeships, the training contract is central — everything flows from it. Mechanist obtains a Commitment ID and Notification of Enrolment (NOE) before training begins.

Smart & Skilled — Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Entitlement Apprenticeship/Traineeship (EAT) pathway

If you have an approved NSW Training Contract with a registered employer, your qualification is on the NSW Skills List, and you meet the eligibility criteria, your training is subsidised under Smart & Skilled. Mechanist completes an Activity Schedule check and obtains a Commitment ID before any training commences.

You generally need to:

  • ✓Live or work in NSW
  • ✓Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible NZ citizen, or eligible visa holder
  • ✓Be 15 years or older and no longer in secondary school
  • ✓Have a valid USI
  • ✓Have an approved NSW Training Contract (Training Contract ID required)
  • ✓Have your qualification on the NSW Skills List and Activity Schedule
Existing Worker Traineeships: Are a known eligibility risk under Smart & Skilled. Mechanist checks this specifically before recommending an EWT enrolment. Do not assume an existing employee automatically qualifies.

School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBAT)

NSW Year 10–12 students

NSW school students in Years 10–12 can commence an automotive apprenticeship or traineeship under a registered SBAT arrangement. The qualification must appear on the NSW Skills List and be listed on the training contract. School, employer and Mechanist coordination is required.

Key requirements:

  • ✓Enrolled in Years 10–12 at an accredited NSW school
  • ✓Registered as a NSW School Based Apprentice or Trainee
  • ✓Approved NSW Training Contract (Training Contract ID)
  • ✓Qualification SBAT-eligible on the NSW Skills List
See the School Students pathway →

How the NSW enrolment process works

Smart & Skilled has specific sequencing requirements. Mechanist manages each step — you don't need to navigate the system yourself.

1
Enquiry & qualification validation

Mechanist confirms the qualification is on the current NSW Skills List and Mechanist's Activity Schedule before proceeding.

2
Eligibility check & evidence collection

NSW residency/employment, citizenship, USI, and training contract evidence collected and verified.

3
Fee quote (NSW Provider Calculator)

Student fee calculated using the current NSW Smart & Skilled Provider Calculator. Written quote provided before any commitment.

4
Notification of Enrolment (NOE) & Commitment ID

Mechanist submits the NOE through the Smart & Skilled system and secures a Commitment ID. Training does not commence until this step is complete.

5
Training contract verification

Approved NSW Training Contract with Training Contract ID confirmed and matched to enrolment records.

6
Enrolment & training commencement

Formal enrolment, training plan signed, LLN and support needs assessed. Training begins.

7
AVETMISS reporting & completion

Regular AVETMISS reporting submitted. Completion payment claimed on qualification sign-off.

What evidence does NSW Smart & Skilled require?

Mechanist collects this as a standard part of the enrolment process. Evidence must be available for audit on request.

✓
Proof of NSW residence or employment

Driver's licence, utility bill, payslip, or equivalent showing NSW address or NSW employer

✓
Citizenship / residency / visa evidence

Passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or visa grant notice

✓
USI verification

Valid USI matched to name and date of birth — mandatory for all Smart & Skilled enrolments

✓
Training Contract ID (TCID)

Approved NSW Training Contract showing the qualification and the employer — mandatory before Commitment ID can be issued

✓
Fee quote and signed enrolment

Written fee disclosure using the NSW Provider Calculator, signed enrolment form, and eligibility declaration

✓
Concession / fee waiver evidence

Concession card or Centrelink evidence where a reduced fee or exemption is claimed

Evidence sighting rule: If evidence is sighted but not retained, Mechanist records the evidence type, document reference, and the date it was sighted — as required under NSW Smart & Skilled rules. Evidence must be available for audit on request.

$0
This training is fee-free and fully subsidised by the NSW Government.

Eligible NSW apprentices and trainees pay no student fees for Mechanist's approved qualifications. Training is fully covered by the NSW Government under Smart & Skilled. Eligibility is confirmed before enrolment commences.

NSW qualifications available through Mechanist

Mechanist holds NSW Smart & Skilled approval for the following four automotive qualifications. These are the only Mechanist qualifications available under government subsidy in NSW.

This training is subsidised by the NSW Government.

Qualification Code Type Student Fee Govt Subsidy
Cert II Automotive Underbody Technology AUR21220 Traineeship Fee-free $4,900
Cert II Automotive Steering & Suspension Technology AUR21820 Traineeship Fee-free $4,360
Cert III Automotive Administration AUR30126 Traineeship Fee-free $5,450
Cert III Automotive Underbody Technology AUR32526 Apprenticeship Fee-free $10,070

This training is fee-free and fully subsidised by the NSW Government for eligible apprentices and trainees. Eligibility subject to individual assessment. Government subsidy figures per NSW Smart & Skilled Prices and Fees Schedule, effective 1 January 2026.

NSW approved delivery regions

Mechanist is approved to deliver NSW Smart & Skilled training across the following regions. If your workplace is outside these areas, contact us before assuming eligibility.

Capital Region
Central Coast
Central West
Coffs Harbour–Grafton
Far West and Orana
Hunter Valley excl. Newcastle
Illawarra
Mid North Coast
Murray
New England & North West
Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
Richmond–Tweed
Riverina
Southern Highlands & Shoalhaven
Sydney

Mechanist also operates in other states

Find out what you qualify for in NSW

Smart & Skilled eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, the qualification, and your training contract status. Send us an enquiry and we'll confirm exactly where you stand before you commit to anything.

Send an enquiry

VocTrain Pty Ltd trading as MECHANIST | RTO ID: 6194 | ABN: 68 085 539 322
This training is fee-free and fully subsidised by the NSW Government through Smart & Skilled. NSW Smart & Skilled funding information is provided as a general guide only. Eligibility is subject to individual assessment against current NSW Department of Education Smart & Skilled program rules and the NSW Skills List. Eligibility confirmed in writing before enrolment commences.