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School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT)
Study a School-Based Apprenticeship or School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) and set yourself up for the career you desire while completing your Higher School Certificate (HSC). Explore your interests while combining education with practical, real-world experience at TAFE NSW.
School-Based Apprenticeship vs School-Based Traineeship
School-Based Apprenticeships
With a School-Based Apprenticeship you train on the job, study and earn an income, all while working towards becoming a qualified tradesperson.
As a school-based apprentice, you’ll complete the first stage of formal training requirements during your HSC year.
School-Based Traineeships
School-Based Traineeships allow you to study for your HSC while training for a vocational career path, such as:
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office administration
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information technology
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hospitality.
With a school-based traineeship, you’ll have completed your chosen qualification by the end of your HSC year.
Why study an SBAT?
There are so many perks to studying as a school-based apprentice or school-based trainee with TAFE NSW. When you study an SBAT, you:
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will earn while you learn
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will get practical industry experience, nationally recognised training and your HSC
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could progress to the second year of an apprenticeship after you finish school (school-based apprentice only)
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could gain at least two units of credit towards your HSC (with a potential four more units of HSC credit through the industry-based learning course)
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will complete a minimum of 100 days of paid work or as specified in the relevant Vocational Training Order
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will generally work one day per week, as negotiated between your school, employer, parents/carers and TAFE NSW
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undertake regular formal training with TAFE NSW.
To find out more, visit the NSW Government SBAT page below.
Beginning your SBAT journey
There's a lot to consider when starting your school-based apprenticeship or school-based traineeship. Below are some steps to help you get prepared.
- Explore career paths, industries of interest and job descriptions.
- Complete our TAFE NSW Study Seeker Quiz.
- Research career opportunities and courses to find the right qualification for you.
- Discover TAFE NSW course areas
So, you've done your research and know what qualification you want to take on as an SBAT. Next, there are some key steps you'll need to tick off to get started:
- Your school sector representative will need to submit an SBAT Training Plan Proposal (TPP) to TAFE NSW.
- TAFE NSW will check that we can accept your SBAT TPP and send your signed and accepted SBAT TPP back to the school sector representative and to Apprentice Connect Australia Providers (ACAP).
- You will work with your ACAP to sign your training contract and other relevant documentation.
- Your ACAP will approve the signed SBAT TPP and training contract with Training Services.
- TAFE NSW will work with stakeholders to develop your training plan. This occurs within 6 weeks of your training contract being approved by Training Services.
Did you know that your previous experience can count toward your SBAT? You can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning or Credit Transfer to have your knowledge, skills or previously completed units of competency counted towards your qualification. This could help you get your qualification faster.
Learn more about recognition of prior learning and credit transfer.
For employers
By offering school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, you can:
- attract new and committed employees
- offer a structured approach to upskilling your existing employees
- provide valuable career opportunities and formal qualifications
- help your business remain competitive with a skilled and dedicated workforce.
The Australian Government provides both financial and non-financial support to employers of apprentices and trainees.
Learn more about Financial Programs and Employer Incentives.
Employer e-Services is a free, time-saving service provided by TAFE NSW. When your registered school-based apprentices or trainee enrols with TAFE NSW, you'll have access to important news and information through Employer e-Services including:
- training plans
- course progress
- results and reports.
Learn more about Employer e-Services. Complete the account creation form if you don't have access to Employer eServices, or log in [here]{https://auth.tafensw.edu.au/as/authorization.oauth2?scope=profile+openid&response_type=code&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Femp-tpl.tafensw.edu.au%2Femp%2Femphome.do&state=%3Fssosource%3Dlogin&client_id=EMP_TPL&_gl=1c8sedp_gcl_auMTkwODk0MzU4My4xNzMyMTUxNjA0_gaNTM0MzA0MTcyLjE3MjQyMDE3NjU._ga_HVPWRW2WHJ*MTczMzcxMjQ5MC41NC4xLjE3MzM3MTUwNTkuNjAuMC4w}.
Updating or amending am SBAT training contract is referred to as a variation. Variations to a training contract can include:
- the duration of the contract
- the employer's details, such as legal and trading name
- the apprentice or trainee's details
- full-time to part-time, or vice versa
- the vocation or qualification being undertaken
- early completion and more.
Read more about varying a training contract and how to apply.
We’re here to help
If you need help navigating your SBAT journey, speak with your school’s careers advisor or VET coordinator, or check out the support services available at TAFE NSW below.
If you have a disability, our Disability Teacher Consultants can chat with you about getting the support you need to make the most of your studies. This service is free and confidential.
If you’re an employer and you’ve forgotten your employer e-services login details, call us on 131 601 and select the option for login enquiries. Or, send us an online enquiry below.