School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT)

School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are a great career option, allowing young Australians to commence training for a vocational qualification and earn a wage while completing their secondary certificate.

For Victorian secondary students aged 15 and over, there is the option of incorporating a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) into their VCE, VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) studies (HSC within the New South Wales school system). By doing these, students combine their usual secondary school program with part-time employment and training, often including a minimum of one timetabled day a week of employment into the school week.

Upon graduation from secondary school, students can then move into TAFE studies to continue on their chosen trade (or similar) or move directly into employment and complete the full trade qualification.

What does a SBAT involve?

Completing the SBAT combines secondary school subjects, paid work, and on- or off-the-job vocational training. Students can undertake training in a traditional trade or other occupation at certificate or diploma level. School-based apprentices and trainees will need to negotiate time-release from their school subjects to attend work and training.

Source: Australian School-based Apprenticeships, Australian Government, Australian Apprenticeships

How long does a SBAT take to complete?

Depending on the qualification, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships can take from one to four years to complete.

A school-based apprentice or trainee undertakes a two-year (VCE, VCE VM, VPC or HSC) program, resulting in the student gaining their trade qualification within five years of commencing their school-based apprenticeship. After completion of the area of study (VCE, VCE VM, VPC or HSC), the apprentice will have up to three years of full-time employment as an apprentice.

Source: Supporting Apprenticeships and Traineeships in NSW Schools, NSW State Training Services.

Advantages of undertaking a SBAT

By undertaking a SBAT while completing a senior secondary certificate, students benefit in many ways.

• Head start in a career: develop workplace skills, knowledge and confidence and have a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
• Flexibility and variety: SBATs can have enormous benefits for young people who prefer hands-on learning to traditional schooling pathways.
• Nationally recognised qualification: incorporate vocational training and work into their senior secondary program, whilst gaining credit towards their VCE, VCE VM or VPC in Victoria and HSC in New South Wales
• Opportunity to learn and earn: be paid while they learn workplace skills, gain confidence, adapt to a work environment and gain valuable skills and knowledge in their chosen field.
• Contributing to the community: employers can assist in motivating young people to work towards their future goals and giving them realistic exposure to the industry or sector.

Source: School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) in Victoria, Guide to establishing and deliver SBATs, State of Victoria, Department of Education and Training, Melbourne Apr-19

Who is eligible to undertake a SBAT?

SBATs are open to students who are:

• at least 15 years of age
• enrolled in VCE, VCE VM, VPC 
• Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents*

* In certain cases, select non-citizens holding a Bridging Visa E, Temporary Protection Visa or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa may be eligible to undertake a VTG subsidised SBAT

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