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School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

What are school-based apprenticeships (SBAT)?

A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) lets you start working and training in a real job while you're still completing secondary school (VCE, VCE VM or VPC). 

Normal school attendance is combined with a minimum of 13 hours per week of paid employment and hands-on training, averaged over each 4-month period of the apprenticeship or traineeship.

You can do your apprenticeship or traineeship in many industries as part of your VCE, VCE VM or VPC. Your school can help you arrange a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

Credit towards the VCE, VCE VM or VPC

  • Your SBAT can count towards your VCE, VCE VM or VPC.
  • For every 90 hours of training you complete, you earn one unit towards your certificate.
  • If your SBAT includes a Units 3 and 4 sequence, it may contribute to your ATAR.
  • Some certificate II qualifications only provide credit towards the VCE at Units 1 and 2.

Always check with your school about your chosen VCE pathway credit options.

Qualifications you’ll get

Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate or statement of attainment from your Registered Training Organisation (such as a TAFE) for the VET training you've completed as part of your SBAT.

Why choose an SBAT?

SBATs are available in a wide range of jobs and industry areas including emerging technologies, health, hospitality, business, construction, engineering and community care.

SBAT are a unique way for you to:

  • make a start on your career before finishing school
  • get paid for time spent working and learning
  • get hands-on training that leads to a VET qualification and provides credit towards completion of school
  • finish school with a competitive edge in the employment market.

Did you know?

You do not have to complete your SBAT before you finish school. Many SBAT students complete the remaining portion of their training and employment hours as a full-time apprentice or trainee after successfully completing their VCE, VCE VM or VPC.

Next steps

Interested in an SBAT? Talk to your school's career advisor or VET coordinator. They can help you find opportunities and guide you through the process. 

Head Start is a program that helps students in government schools find and make the most of suitable SBAT opportunities.

Find out more about Head Start.