An SBAT is a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship where students combine their school studies with part-time work and formal training. Unlike regular apprenticeships or traineeships, SBATs allow students to gain hands-on experience while completing their high school education.

Hiring a school-based apprentice or trainee offers your business a valuable source of motivated and skilled workers. By providing students with real-world experience, your business not only benefits from their contributions but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce.

To get involved, complete this formExternal link, and the NSW Department of Education’s SBAT team will reach out to discuss how school-based apprentices or trainees can support you and your business.

The time and resources required will vary depending on the nature of the school-based apprenticeship or traineeship arrangement and the needs of your business but typically will involve what is required to provide on-the-job training and supervision.

Almost any industry can offer school-based apprentice or trainee placements, from trades and hospitality to professional services and retail. The key is to provide a supportive learning environment where students can gain practical experience.

Yes, employing a school-based apprentice or trainee can help address skill shortages by providing opportunities for students to gain valuable skills and experience in industries where there is a demand for workers.

The NSW Department of Education’s SBAT team will provide assistance coordinating training arrangements, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Employers taking on school-based apprentices/trainees are required to make a commitment to employing and training the school-based apprentice or trainee for the duration of the training contract. Employers who cannot meet their obligations to provide employment and training because of changes that affect their business may apply for cancellation or suspension of the SBAT training contract through the NSW Department of Education’s Training Services team.

Employers and apprentices/trainees should contact their local Training Services regional office on 13 28 11 as soon as they become aware of circumstances that may result in an application for cancellation or suspension of the apprenticeship or traineeship. Training Services officers may be able to assist the employer and apprentice or trainee by organising the placement of the apprentice or trainee with another employer.

Applications for cancellation or suspension supported by both the employer and the apprentice or trainee will be approved. Applications for cancellation or suspension supported by one party only may be referred to the Vocational Training Tribunal for a determination.