What to start?

I'm looking to start building my tool set. But I dont know where to start. I have been working as a apprentice for awhile now so I have a general idea of what tools I will need. But when I start looking online and in catalogs I see anywhere from 300 piece to 1500 piece sets that range from 400-9300 dollars. And then I releized I really have no idea where to start. The A&P I work with says dont buy sets to buy the different tools as you need them. But the sets seem to save you soo much money. So where did you all start.

Most sets will contain tools you will never use. Avoid the temptation to save money on sets. I think having less quantity but better quality tools is the way to go. I also think you should avoid the big name tools that cost an arm and a leg to buy. I believe in the 75/20/5 tool rule. 75 percent of your tools can be plain old average quality tools. 20 percent of your tools should be better than average (the ones you use frequently) and 5 percent should be the best you can buy (the ones that makes difficult things easy). The specific tool groups will vary depending on what you are working on but any mechanic will understand what I am saying.

I would start off by buying yourself a nice tool chest and start off with a good set of basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, sockets, wrenches). The specialty tools will come with time and experience.