For students
What is an SBAT?
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) are more than just part-time jobs, they’re a great way to set yourself up for the career you want whilst you are completing your HSC.
SBATs are available to all Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students in NSW undertaking the Higher School Certificate (HSC). The program allows students to commence an apprenticeship or complete a traineeship while at school.
A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship combines paid work (usually one day per week), formal training and school. Students gain an industry-recognised national qualification and achieve credit towards the HSC. Some apprenticeships and traineeships contribute towards the ATAR.
Where do I start?
- Decide on the occupation that interests you. Explore sites such as the Digital Careers Toolbox or My Future website to help identify your interest areas.
- Explore the school-based apprenticeships or school-based traineeships options on this website.
- Discuss with your Careers Adviser and parents/carers about how this will work with your HSC.
- Use your networks to gain employment – start with family, friends, local employers and explore job search websites.
- If you already have a casual job, ask your employer if they would like more information about employing you as a school based apprentice or trainee.
Things to consider
Students who take on a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship are motivated young people who don’t just want to plan their future career, they want to experience it now. It’s very important that you think about how you can manage your SBAT by considering:
- Is this a career I’m interested in?
- Can I handle school, work and training along with family and community commitments?
- Do I have a support network around me to help along the way? Teachers, careers adviser, transition advisor, parents/carers, friends, mentors etc.
- Can I make travel arrangements to get myself to work and training on time?
If you answered YES to the questions above, an SBAT may be a great option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read through the most commly asked SBAT questions here.
Australian Apprenticeships - contact details of your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre
Australian Apprenticeships Job Pathway Service - Students, careers advisers, job candidiates, parents and employers should visit the Job Pathways website to find easy to access Australian Apprenticeships information
Australian Apprenticeships Training Information Service - an 'industry site' providing resources for AACs, RTOs, GTOs and other organisations marketing and implementing Australian Apprenticeships
Fairwork Australia Awards and Agreements - Fairwork Australia - Minimum conditions in the workplace, rates of pay calculator
MyFuture - An online hub for commercial job listings. Great for getting ideas about different industries, skills and experience needed in the workplace.
NSW Education Standards Authority - School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
NSW Industrial Relations - Making NSW workplaces fair for employees and employers
Training Services NSW - Apprenticeship & Traineeship Forms
Training Services NSW - Official information and help with apprenticeships and traineeships, including school-based
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
Young People at Work - Links for young people from NSW Industrial Relations