Benefits of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships

 A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) lets you earn while you learn by mixing your classes with real, paid work experience.

Here’s why you should consider it:

• Build your dream career now instead of waiting until after school
• Learn by doing, which is way cooler than just sitting in a classroom
• Make money while you learn
• Work towards a qualification that really matters in the job market
• Meet potential employers and make connections that could help you land a job later

If you love hands-on learning, SBATs can boost your skills and confidence early on, making it easier to land jobs in the future. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Who can be a school-based apprentice or trainee?

To be considered ‘school-based’, traineeships or apprenticeships must be incorporated into the student's school timetable, with regular time taken to undertake either work or ‘off-the-job’ training.

Students must also be:

• 15 years of age or over when they begin an SBAT;
• An Australian citizen, foreign national with permanent residency status, or a New Zealand passport holder resident in Australia for at least six months;
• Undertaking an Australian SBAT which is endorsed by the school principal (or equivalent for non-secondary school education providers), as an integral part of the school program;
• Attending on-the-job training as required by the relevant state or territory.

For more information view our SBAT factsheet.

Three steps to becoming a school-based apprentice or trainee

Along with your secondary school qualification, as a school-based apprentice or trainee you will work towards gaining a nationally-recognised qualification at a Certificate I, II, III or IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level.