School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) are a great way to get a head start on your career while still at school. By doing an SBAT in industries experiencing skills shortages, including renewable energy, housing and infrastructure, and early childhood education and care, you can set yourself up for a future career.
Xavier:
I'm doing a school-based traineeship in construction pathways. I knock 6 months off my apprenticeship and graduate with my HSC.
It all started when I was very little watching Bob the Builder and then as I got older, my tastes sort of matured more into Grand Designs.
I would recommend SBAT to other students as it creates an opportunity to do higher education later on but also get a career while still maintaining your social life at school.
Tara:
I love working in childcare.
When I get to work, I see the children hit those milestones. Knowing that you're being a part of that is really rewarding.
In Year 9, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety which made going to school very hard. My careers adviser came to me with the opportunity to do some work experience in the kindergarten room, and I loved it in there.
From there, I was offered a traineeship. My traineeship made me want to be the best version of myself and really gave me a passion for the industry. I knew that to be in the industry I needed to complete my HSC, and it really gave me that drive to do that.
So when I had my diagnosis, I was in a state where I didn't think that I would amount to anything, and I didn't see a feature for myself. My traineeship proved me wrong, and it opened so many doors for me, including getting an ATAR, so now I can go to uni and pursue primary teaching.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) are a great way for you to get a head start on your career while still at school. SBATs are available to all Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students in NSW.
By choosing to do an SBAT you can gain a nationally recognised qualification as part of your Higher School Certificate (HSC). This is achieved by combining part-time work with formal training at school, TAFE NSW or another Registered Training Organisation. There are a range of industry opportunities available, with over 200 SBAT qualifications to choose from.
A school-based apprentice will:
A school-based trainee will:
Yes, it is possible to complete a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship and receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Talk to your Careers Adviser about your pattern of study and how an SBAT will fit into your HSC.
Generally, one day per week during school terms as well as additional days during the school holidays. The days and times will be negotiated between you, your school and employer.
Absolutely. As a school-based apprentice or trainee you must be paid according to the wage rates and conditions of employment in the appropriate industrial award or modern working agreement.
It’s simple:
A school-based apprentice will enter Stage Two of their apprenticeship and continue in employment as a full-time or part-time apprentice.
A school-based trainee will have completed their Certificate II or III qualification and can begin to work full-time, or continue on to higher Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies or commence university.
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 to think about how you will manage your SBAT by considering:
If you answered YES to the questions above, an SBAT may be a great option for you.
Keen to get started? Speak to your Careers Adviser today. Call 13MYSBAT or email sbat@det.nsw.edu.au.
Students: Starting the SBAT journey
The NSW Government is investing significantly into the Net Zero and energy transition sector. The vision for NSW is to create a skilled, local and diverse workforce capable of supporting the renewable energy transition, offering long-term, place-based training and career opportunities, especially benefiting regional communities.
Care involves activities that develop and maintain peoples’ capabilities, independence or quality of life. This includes early childhood education and care, disability care, and aged care. These activities make a significant contribution to the overall workforce and economy.
The Construction sector covers residential and commercial buildings, civil engineering and infrastructure as well as services to ensure these are well maintained. Other services include preparing land for development, architectural and engineering, and the full range of trades.
