School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Introduction and note on the guidelines

Introduction

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) enable students aged 15 years or over to combine their education with practical skills training and part-time work in a career of their choice.

Established in 1998 as a distinct pathway in Victoria’s Vocational Education and Training system, SBATs are available to secondary students who are enrolled in years 10, 11 or 12.

SBATs are available at registered schools or Non-School Senior Secondary Providers and Foundation Secondary (NSSSFSPs), including Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), TAFE institutes, and adult, community and further education providers. For the purposes of these guidelines, all references to ‘schools’ are equally applicable to NSSSFSPs.

A note on the guidelines

These guidelines cover the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in supporting or participating in apprenticeships and traineeships offered as part of a senior secondary or foundation secondary program.

All schools have a responsibility to provide effective oversight of SBAT arrangements to ensure a direct link with their students’ career plans. Tailored career education and guidance should be provided, with the emphasis on productive employment arrangements that lead to strong career outcomes. Schools must also support their students to ensure that an SBAT will not be detrimental to their overall education.