For schools
Introduction
A School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) is a great pathway for students in Years 10 and 11 to kickstart their career. An SBAT combines paid work (usually one day per week), formal training and attendance at school.
Positive outcomes for SBAT students:
- Earn while they learn - students get paidfor their time at work, gaining financial skills and independence early.
- Real-world experience - students will build communication, teamwork and problem solving skills.
- Head start of their career - gain expereince in their chosen field plus obtaining a nationally recognised qualification.
Positive outcomes for Schools supporting SBATs:
- Builds school reputation by supporting flexible career-focussed pathways.
- Improves student retention.
- Builds local employer partnerships and establishes strong community connections.
Is an SBAT right for my student?
When assessing if a student is suited for a school-based traineeship, schools should consider the following top 5 factors:
- Student Readiness and Interest - maturity, suitable qualification level
- Academic Impact - juggling school / family / sport / SBAT
- Support Structures - both at school and at home, access to transport
- Workplace Suitability and Safety
- Alignment with Career and Pathway Goals
SBAT Qualification Flyers
School based traineeships
School based apprenticeships
Frequently Asked Questions
Review our FAQ page and if your question isn't answered, please reach out to your local SBAT support officer.
Step 1 - After discussion with the school / careers advisor, the parent/carer completes and signs the Application to Establish an SBAT form and returns to the school (Application to Establish an SBAT).
Step 2 – The employer completes the SBAT Establishment and Management System (SEAMS) data entry form. The school or SBAT Operations Officer can also provide this form.
Step 3 – When both forms are received back to the school, the school SBAT coordinator will complete and progress the student’s SBAT notification in SEAMS.
If the SBAT is employed by a large employer, please enter sbat@det.nsw.edu.au in the School Sector Representative Email field in SEAMS.
For more information on SEAMS, please contact your SBAT Operations Officer.
Please note the TC Start Date is the first date of paid part-time employment with the employer.
Step 4 – The SEAMS SBAT notification creates the draft Training Plan Proposal (TPP) which is reviewed by the SBAT Operations Officer before being progressed to the training provider for consideration. Once the training provider confirms acceptance, the school can release the student to attend the workplace and training.
Training providers may request the completion of a Language, Literacy, and Numeracy quiz prior to acceptance.
The Training Plan Proposal (TPP) is then progressed in SEAMS to the Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP).
Step 5 - The Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) organises a sign-up meeting with the parent, student, and employer to sign the Training Contract and Training Plan Proposal. These documents are submitted to Training Services for approval.
Step 6 - Once approved by Training Services, a Training Contract ID (TCID) will be issued. The training provider sends the draft training plan to the SBAT Operations Officer for review. The training plan is then distributed to all parties for signature.
- Order SBAT Work Records Books
- Digital Careers Toolbox
- Keeping Students Safe during workplace learning
- Stage 6 VET Industry-based Learning course description
- Stage 6 VET Industry Curriculum Frameworks
- Stage 6 VET Board Endorsed course descriptions for 2026
- What is an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider?
- Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS)
Apprentices or new entrant trainees who have to travel more than 110km (return) to attend day or block release training, may be able to apply for financial assistance from the Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS).
For non Government schools, please refer to the Catholic School contacts and Independent School contacts for contact information.
For Government schools, please refer to the SBAT contact page. You can opt to send a general enquiry to our centralised SBAT support team, or click on your school to locate your local SBAT Operations Officer.