School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Unlock career potential with school-based apprenticeships and traineeships!

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are more than just part-time jobs! They’re a great way for students to set themselves up for a career, learn real-life workplace skills and gain hands-on industry experience while completing their secondary education.

ETC’s Training team are here to help you understand the benefits, eligibility requirements, delivery methods and commitment required for students considering a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship in NSW or QLD.

NSW – SBATs

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) are available to NSW Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students. They allow students to commence a traineeship or an apprenticeship while at school.

SBATs combine paid work, training and school, and an industry-recognised national qualification. Plus, students can gain credit towards their High School Certificate (HSC)!

Some apprenticeships and traineeships can contribute towards the student’s ATAR.

Eligibility – The student must:

• Be a full-time school student aged 15 years or older
• Have the school’s agreement to undertake school-based training
• Find an employer willing to train them in their workplace
• Have the parent/guardian’s permission (if under the age of 18)

Course delivery:

Courses can be delivered flexibly, on-the-job or off-the-job, through face-to-face, digital or blended delivery options.

Commitment required:

Undertake a minimum of 100 days in paid employment, plus the formal training component to complete the qualification.

The employment and training can be undertaken during school time, after school or during school holidays.

How will they be assessed?

Students will be assessed on and off-the-job through written assessments, project work and practical tasks.

QLD – SATs

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) allow high school students (usually in Years 10, 11 or 12) to earn a wage, train towards a nationally recognised qualification and study towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) at the same time.

Eligibility – The student must:

• Be a full-time school student aged 15 years or older
• Have the school’s agreement to undertake school-based training
• Find an employer willing to train them in their workplace
• Have the parent/guardian’s permission (if under the age of 18)

Course delivery:

Courses can be delivered flexibly, on-the-job or off-the-job, through face-to-face, digital or blended delivery options.

Training can count towards final QCE credit points. Credits are based on the number of competencies‘ (knowledge or skills learned in a workplace) a student completes and/or the number of hours they have worked.

Commitment required:

Students are required to work at least 7.5 hours a week, averaged over every three months, for every 12 months of their training contract. For example, if students can‘t work during exams, they can work more hours during the school holidays.

How will they be assessed?

Students will be assessed on and off-the-job through written assessments, project work and practical tasks.

Student benefits of a School-based apprenticeship or traineeship

• Gain a nationally recognised training qualification
• Combine training and employment
• Leave entitlements covered
• Opportunity for a career path of further study after completing their qualification
• Students receive payment while they work and learn
• Permanent part-time employment benefits
• Students can receive credit towards their HSC or QCE
• Students gain valuable skills, knowledge and practical experience in their chosen field or career path
• Students can finish school with a competitive edge in the employment market

Not in school, but still keen to undertake a Traineeship?

Traineeships (non-school based) are available to people of any age including adults and mature age workers. Eligibility criteria applies.

Why choose ETC?

• We can match suitable students to employers to meet their training needs
• Nationally recognised training qualifications available
• We have been delivering traineeships for more than 20 years
• We are an Award Winning Registered Training Organisation (RTO 6998)

Apprenticeship & Traineeship advice and support

Looking for more information about eligibility criteria, enrolment/sign-up, & financial support?
Visit the Australian Apprenticeships website >