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 such as renewable energy, housing and infrastructure, or 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.
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 working full-time, or continue on to higher Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies or commence university.
Speak to your Careers Adviser today, call 13MYSBAT or email sbat@det.nsw.edu.au.
Students: Starting the SBAT journey
Interested in learning more about the industries driving NSW’s future? Visit the NSW Critical Skills Areas page to explore priority industries, career opportunities and available SBAT pathways.
