I havent read all the posts but everyones saying get...
-sockets
-spanners
-hammers
-pliers/sidecutters/multigrips etc
-screwdrivers

By the time you buy all this and find storage for it all.... it will be fairly $$$.

IMO being an apprentice mechanic your best bet is to get one of the TFYT (Tools For Your Trade) kits that the auto tools stores offer. These are kits put together for apprentice mechanics (mechanic apprentices get a $800 government grant for tools when they begin their apprenticeship).

You usully get a decent toolbox with the tools everyone most have mentioned in it for around $1000 (add up the cost of all the individual tools and you will realise it isnt a bad offer). You can always go dearer with the kits to get a heap more in them. Most come with all the things mentioned above and have other things like chisels/centre punch/pin punches/shifters etc etc.

That kit along with a jack, and stands... You will be set. Then when doing jobs for the first time like oil change, buy a oil filter tool and funnel at the time, will only cost you $20 at the time and its yours to keep.

Another great thing to have is a pole about 1m in length that fits over your breaker bar/ratchet/spanner for getting those extra tight bolts. I use my jack handle for this. You would be truely amazed at how often you need to use it. Leverage FTW.

Another thing that you would use all the time would be a lead light, justs a cheap one for like $10 from supercheap is fine aslong as you dont throw it around and be rough and smash it. It's all i use.

I am an apprentice mechanic and i built my project car up in my home garage with these tools.

Tools are not cheap you know..

Other things, depending on what you do that may be handy are things such as:
-cordless drill
-4" angle grinder
-bench vice
-files (cheap ones are pathetic)

Also, a bag of rags is very handy, get them from any auto store for like $5 or cut up your old clothes/towels etc...