Apprenticeship and traineeship head start
Group training organisations offer fee-free pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship courses that include work experience with host employers.
About the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Head Start initiative
The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Head Start initiative supports eligible NSW public high school students in Years 10–12 to access fee-free, accredited training through pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship courses. Students can explore career pathways, gain nationally recognised units of competency, and receive credit that may contribute towards a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) or a full apprenticeship or traineeship.
Initiative activities include:
- Training delivered by NSW Smart and Skilled contracted training organisations leading to 3-4 nationally recognised units of competency.
- Potential work experience with a local host employer.
- Support and advice on pathways to a career including SBATs, apprenticeships or traineeships.
There is also the potential to develop bespoke courses directly with a business who may have specific skills or talent attraction needs.
Initiative courses for 2026
Following a successful 2025 program where 68 programs were delivered to approximately 868 students throughout NSW, In 2026 Group Training Organisations (GTOs) will again facilitate program delivery in vocations commencing in the following Critical Skill Areas:
- Building and Construction
- Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering
- Automotive
- Agriculture
- Care (e.g. Individual Support, Early Childhood Community health assistance, Allied Health)
- Digital Skills
- Renewable Energy
Download 2026 EPP Apprenticeship and Traineeship Head Start Program Guidelines
For Employers
Employers can participate in the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Head Start Program by offering:
- Work experience opportunities
- On-site industry immersion tours
- Invitations to industry events
- School mentoring options and industry talks
- Providing opportunities for Apprenticeship and Traineeship employment
If you are an employer looking to get involved in the program, please download the below Employer info pack for more information.
Download employer info pack
For Students
Students should contact their Career’s Advisor to discuss the vocations available in their school region and express their interest in participating in the course.
Eligible students will be asked to complete an expression of interest (EOI) form. Once the EOI is completed and returned to their school, the GTO and the Head Teacher Careers/Careers Advisor will select the most suitable students and offer them the opportunity to participate in the program.
Students will need to meet criteria to participate, including:
- Be 15 years and over and in years 10, 11 or 12 from a participating EPP school.
- Be an Australia citizen, Australian Permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand Visa holder.
Contact us
To contact the team, email Group.Training@det.nsw.edu.au