Why wait until you have completed your schooling to start you career, when you can start earning an income and gain a nationally recognised qualification today.
Whether you plan to enter the workforce directly or go to university after you complete school, Australian School-based Apprenticeships and traineeships allow you to develop important workplace skills, knowledge and experience that employers are looking for.
Benefits of undertaking an Australian School-based Apprenticeship or traineeship
› By starting your qualification while still at school, you may become qualified sooner.
› Gives you the edge when looking for full-time employment after finishing school.
› Helps you to develop important workplace skills, confidence and experience that employer’s value.
› Allows you to try out an occupation before making a long term career commitment.
› Gives you the chance to earn an income while still at school.
› Qualifications are competency based, allowing you to shorten you completion time.
› Training may be delivered on on-the-job (at work), off-the-job (at a college/school), or a combination of both suiting your learning requirements.
› May lead to eventually owning your own business.
› Unlike full-time TAFE and University, your training is subsidised by the State Government.
› If you complete your qualification while still at school, you may be eligible to complete another additional government funded qualification.
› Provides a stepping stone to higher level studies.
› Completed competencies are recorded on your Senior Statement.
What are Australian School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships?
Australian School-based Apprenticeships and traineeships allow students, generally in Years 11 and 12 to:
› Work as paid employees;
› Progress towards completing a nationally recognised qualification; and
› Complete a Senior Statement.
To qualify you must:
› Still be attending school;
› Be employed for a minimum of 48 days every 12 months; and
› Undertake some part of your qualification (i.e. either training or work) during normal school hours.
As an Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee you:
›can still obtain a Senior Statement and achieve an Overall Position (OP) score.
› will normally work one set day per week, with the option of working after school hours, on weekends and during school holidays.
What is the difference between an Australian School-based Apprenticeship and traineeship?
School-based Apprenticeships traditionally focus on trade-based industries, such as electrical, building and construction, cooking, automotive, hairdressing and engineering.
School-based Traineeships generally cover all other industries that do not require a trade certificate such as business, retail, hospitality, IT, tourism and many more.
With over 600 exciting career options to choose from, there is an Australian Apprenticeship or traineeship qualification available to cover most industries and occupations.
How long does an Australian School-based Apprenticeship or traineeship take?
Australian School-based Apprenticeships and traineeships normally take twice as long to complete as full-time Australian Apprenticeships and traineeships.
Full-time traineeships normally have a nominal duration of between 12 and 24 months and include qualifications ranging from Certificate Level II to Certificate Level IV.
Full-time apprenticeships traditionally take 36 months to 48 months to complete and include qualification levels from Certificate Level III to Certificate Level V.
Many School-based Apprentices work towards completing the ‘first year’ of their Apprenticeship over Years 11 and 12, while some School-based trainees may be able to complete their traineeship over this same period.
The good news is that both Australian School-based Apprenticeships and traineeships are now competency based, which means that the sooner you gain the required skills and knowledge the sooner you can become qualified.
How can your school assist you?
Most Queensland schools now offer a wide range of vocational pathways including Australian School-based Apprenticeships and traineeships. These opportunities are usually available to all students, whether you are OP eligible or not.
Your school will work with you and your employer to ensure that your timetable reflects both your work and school commitments, as well as providing you with the necessary support and assistance throughout your qualification. An Education, Training and Employment Schedule (ETES) will also be completed to document the time you spend undertaking school, paid employment and training.
What happens when you finish school?
If you are unable to complete your qualification before the end of your schooling you will generally continue your qualification in either a full or part-time capacity with your employer, until your qualification has been completed.
Once you have completed your qualification your employer is no longer required to keep you on as an employee, though your employer has the option of maintaining your employment.
If you complete your qualification while still at school, you may be eligible to start an additional Australian Apprenticeship or traineeship, which may attract additional Australian and State Government incentives*
* Must meet eligibility criteria.
How much will you be paid?
As an Australian School-based Apprentice or trainee you will receive a loaded hourly rate, based on the Award wage. You will be paid for productive time spent in the workplace, though you will not be paid for time spent in off-the-job training, sick leave or holidays.
Due to the complex nature of industrial relations issues and the diverse range of award payments, we strongly suggest that you contact Wageline on 1300 369 945 or visit www.wageline.qld.gov.au for specific wage advice and assistance.
Will you incur any costs?
Unlike full-time TAFE or university, The Queensland Government fully subsidises all the costs of training Australian School-based Apprentices and trainees.
Choosing a qualification
With over 600 Australian Apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications to choose from, you are certain to find one that suits your career ambitions.
For comprehensive information on all currently available qualifications visit:
Department of Employment and Training
- Click on the ‘Apprenticeships and traineeships’ tab.
- Click on ‘Choose an apprenticeship or traineeship’ link.
- Enter the name of the occupation or qualification in the search box and click on the ‘Search’ button.
BUSY At Work Apprenticeships Services (BUSY) can assist you in making an informed decision about which qualification and training outcome will best suit your needs along with providing information on appropriate training organisations and their delivery options. Call 13 BUSY (13 28 79) today!
Australian Government financial incentives
To increase the take up of Australian School-based Apprenticeships and traineeships the Australian Government provides various financial incentives. Eligiblity criteria apply.
<Click here> for information on incentives.
How can I find an Australian School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship?
Before you start looking for an employer, you will need to first prepare a resume and covering letter that markets your skills and experience.
To find a suitable Australian School-based Apprenticeship or traineeship position we recommend that you:
› Speak to your current employer. If you are currently employed on a casual or part-time basis or have recently undertaken work experience, your employer may be willing to employ you in a Australian School-based Apprenticeship or traineeship.
› Speak to your VET Coordinator, Careers Advisor or Guidance Counsellor. They may be aware of suitable employment opportunities.
› Look on your School notice board. BUSY At Work Apprenticeships Services (BUSY) notify schools each week of current vacancies that you might like to apply for.
› Contact a Group Training Organisation (GTO). GTO’s will employ you directly and then place you with host employers to complete your qualification. GTO’s will provide you with the necessary support, assistance and mentoring to complete your qualification. BUSY can refer you to a number of GTO’s in your area.
› Approach Employers Directly. Hand out or post your resume and covering letter directly to employers that you would like to work for. BUSY has developed a canvassing card to help you with this process. To increase your success rate, contact the employer with a follow up call.
› Friends or Family. Your friends or family may be aware of employers who may be interested in taking you on. So get the word out!
Once you have found an employer, ask you VET Coordinator to contact BUSY to organise for one of our Consultants to visit your workplace and undertake the induction process.
Download School-based Brochures
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To view any of these brochures, simply click on the corresponding image.
A guide for job seekers and exisiting employees
This guide covers everything a job seeker or existing employee needs to know about Australian Apprenticeships and traineeships, including how they work, benefits, employment options, incentives and costs.
currently being updated
Your A to Z guide
This guide lists all Australian Apprenticeships and traineeships currently available in Queensland.
ascurrently being updated
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