School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
So what are School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships?
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) offer the ability to combine a senior secondary program with:
- part-time employment,
- training towards a nationally accredited qualification,
- continuing your school education.
"My time at GOTAFE has greatly improved my knowledge of the career I wish to pursue. I worked on our family farm for my school based apprenticeship during years 11-12 which is also where I grew up and my love for animals and farming started. I was still able to attend school and work while studying. The course delivery was very thorough and well presented. I cannot recommend GOTAFE enough to those wanting to have a future in Agriculture."
- Erin Mumford, School Based Apprentice in Certificate III Agriculture (AHC30116)
The difference between a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship
Apprenticeships
- Full-time apprenticeships take between 3-4 years depending on the qualification. Your SBAT will be part-time, once you leave school you can vary your SBAT to a full-time apprenticeship to continue within your trade to complete the qualification.
- A school based apprentice works with their employer and school to decide the best day during the school week to attend the workplace. This will be at least 1 day a week.
- Learning occurs on-the-job with the employer as well as off-the-job when apprentices attend timetabled blocks of training at GOTAFE. This may be for a full week or during school holidays.
- Apprenticeships are available in trade areas such as building and construction, commercial cookery and baking, automotive, engineering, hairdressing, and more.
- Qualification levels for school based apprenticeships are most commonly at a Certificate III and above level.
Traineeships
- Traineeships generally take between 1-2 years to complete depending on the qualification.
- School based trainees work with their employer and school to decide the best day during the school week to attend the workplace. This will be at least 1 day a week.
- Learning occurs in the workplace with the employer. GOTAFE trainers will schedule regular visits to the workplace to work with trainees.
- Traineeships are available in service areas such as business, community, health, childcare, education support, hair and beauty, hospitality, and more.
- Qualification levels for school based traineeships are most commonly at a Certificate II, III, and above level.
More information on SBATs
When undertaking a school based apprenticeship or traineeship you are training in a nationally accredited course, meaning it meets a number of quality assurance requirements and you’ll come away with a recognised qualification at the end of your training.
Here are some helpful links to visit for more information:
- Australian Apprenticeships - Victorian Government
- The Australian Apprenticeships Pathways
- Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority - SBATs
Home schooled students
Please note students who are currently enrolled in home schooling are not eligible to undertake a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. SBATs can only be done as part of a senior secondary program delivered by a registered senior secondary provider.
Home schooled students may undertake a part-time apprenticeship or traineeship. These arrangements are at an individual student’s discretion, please speak with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.