Apprenticeship and traineeship information for schools

A group of students in school uniforms walking in front of a building

Empower your students to kickstart their careers while still in school. A School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) allows them to combine education with real workplace experience, earning as they learn and gaining confidence as they work towards getting qualified in their chosen field. These are also known as Australian School Based Apprenticeships (ASbA).

What are apprenticeships and traineeships?

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine hands-on workplace experience with Vocational Education and Training (VET) through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), such as TAFE.

Apprenticeships

  • Usually take between three and four years
  • Require formal classroom study (usually two to three days a week)
  • Can lead to a job in trades such as building and construction, commercial cookery, automotive, engineering, manufacturing, electrical, plumbing, and lots more!

Traineeships

  • Generally take between one and two years
  • Involve full or part-time study (depending on the employer), including work experience and opportunities to build a professional network
  • Can lead to jobs in service industries such as business administration, retail, community health, childcare, hair and beauty, financial services, and lots more!

School-based apprenticeships

Do you have students that are wanting to kickstart their career while still in school? An SBAT lets them earn while they learn by mixing time at school with real, paid work experience.

There are several reasons to consider an SBAT:

  • Getting a head start towards a dream career instead of waiting until after school
  • Are ideally suited to students who are hands-on learners
  • The ability to earn money while learning valuable skills
  • Getting qualified early before the bulk of school leavers enter the job market
  • Making contact with potential employers and other connections that may help land a job later

Completing an SBAT can boost your students鈥 skills and confidence early on, making it easier for them to secure a job once they leave school. Along with their secondary school qualification, SBATs work towards gaining a nationally-recognised qualification at a Certificate I, II, III or IV, Diploma or Advanced听Diploma level.

SBAT statistics

Busting some apprenticeship myths

Apprenticeships are a plan 鈥橞鈥 if you don鈥檛 get into university.

False! Apprenticeships and traineeships lead to many of the same careers as university courses, and are much better for those who prefer hands-on learning.

VET pathways don't pay very well.

False! Research by Skilling Australia has found the average VET graduate wage is higher than someone graduating with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree.

My parents went to university so I should too.

These days, many of the most in-demand occupations require a VET qualification

Apprenticeships are just for tradies.

False! Chefs, truck drivers and child-care workers are among the most in-demand occupations, and all of them require a VET pathway.

Women aren鈥檛 suited to a trade.

False! Female representation in trades has grown to 16% with women, with employers coming to understand what valuable skills, perspectives and diversity they bring to lots of different workplaces.

Booking a school visit

If you鈥檇 like to provide your students with the opportunities they deserve, 美诱直播 is here to support with tailored workshops, one-on-one consultations, and in-depth information sessions designed to meet the needs of your students.

Our experienced 美诱直播 career consultants can visit your school, and tailor a session to the meet the exact needs of your students.

Topics covered include:

  • Information about apprenticeships and traineeships
  • How SBATs work
  • Career pathways for students and school leavers
  • Insights about the current labour market
  • How to find a work placement or job
  • How to perform well in job interviews
  • How to prepare a cover letter and resume
  • Employer expectations and how to meet them

When you book a school visit, your students and their parents can also book a one-on-one session with a career consultant. These follow-up sessions can be over the phone or in person.

If you鈥檙e an educator or careers advisor and would like further information about SBATs, call 13 6348 or email acpinfo@megt.com.au.

If you鈥檇 like 美诱直播 to visit your school, please submit your details on the expression of interest form.

Submit your details

Stories from real apprentices and trainees

Ky, VIC

Following his school-based apprenticeship, Ky began his electrical apprenticeship as soon as he finished school. 鈥淚 definitely thought about uni but I found this way would give me a head start. I鈥檝e loved working, and the fact that no two days are the same.鈥

Ky screwing light switch into wall
Electrical apprentice Ky on the tools

Emily, VIC

Emily began her electrical apprentice with Goldwind, servicing and maintaining wind turbines on the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm. 听鈥淚 knew university wasn鈥檛 for me, but it wasn鈥檛 until I met my partner and started helping him outside that I realised it didn鈥檛 feel like work! So, I got a job at the wind farm, and I love it鈥

Emily standing on a field looking at the camera
Emily working at the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm

References

Did you know that more than 78% of VET graduates are employed after training?

Top jobs in demand have VET pathways

Skills Priority List Key Findings Report 2023

Jobs in Australia

If you鈥檇 like 美诱直播 to visit your school, please submit your details on the expression of interest form

Contact us today to find out more!