School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBATs)

School-based & non-School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships: What’s the Difference?

Apprenticeships and traineeships are employment-based training pathways that combine paid work with formal study, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. Some students start this journey while still at school through a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT), while others begin after completing school in full-time roles.

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs)

SBATs enable students to commence an apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school, integrating part-time employment and training with their senior secondary studies. This approach allows students to work towards a qualification while completing their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major, or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

An SBAT pathway helps students gain real-world experience, develop employability skills, and work toward a qualification while still in school.

How to get started:

If students are interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship, they should seek guidance from their Home school. For:

• Independent and Catholic School Students: Students should consult their school’s Careers team for guidance on pursuing an apprenticeship or traineeship.
• Government School Students: Students should first speak with their school’s Careers Practitioner. If an SBAT is deemed suitable, the Careers Practitioner will refer the student to the school’s Head Start Coordinator for further assistance. The Head Start program supports students in years 10–12 to undertake SBATs, providing them with the skills and experience that employers value. Students receive paid on-the-job training that contributes to their VCE, VCE Vocational Major, or VPC, leading to a qualification. The program offers tailored support, including career planning advice, assistance in finding suitable employers, and ongoing coordination between the student, school, and employer. For more information on how Head Start works, visit the Head Start Apprenticeships and Traineeships page.

If you have any questions please contact the Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster Coordinator at [email protected]