School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

The importance of communication

Schools should try to provide students with access to the widest possible array of locally available School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeships (SBATs). Schools can use the Structured Workplace Learning Statewide Portal to identify possible placements.

• Schools can advertise SBAT vacancies through appropriate communication channels and help students apply for suitable vacancies.
• Some students may identify SBAT opportunities themselves through family or local networks. They should advise the school principal or Non-School Senior Secondary Provider (NSSSP) CEO as soon as an offer of employment for an SBAT is made. SBATs require formal documentation and any verbal offer should be translated into a written offer as soon as possible (the school may request a copy).

Schools play an important role in arranging for the student (and parent/guardian) to attend meetings with other parties such as the employer and the RTO.

• The aim of these meetings is for the student’s learning needs to be discussed, addressed and implemented in a training plan delivered by the RTO.
• The school must approve the integrated timetable arrangements agreed to by the student (and parent/guardian), the employer and the RTO.
• The RTO will ensure the training plan is signed by the school prior to enrolling the student in training, in order to be eligible for VTG subsidies.

Open and timely communication is also vital for any employer hosting an SBAT student, including:

• providing the school with contact details of its business, including the name and contact details of the staff member responsible for the student’s employment
• providing details of any host employer (for example, a Group Training Organisation) and their supervising staff and relevant Working with Children checks
• ensuring prompt communication of any offer of work, training opportunities, incentives, absences, or any other issue that may impact on the success of an SBAT

It is recommended that all parties meet at least 3 times a year to review SBAT arrangements, discuss student progress, and identify any issues that may need to be addressed.