Start your career while you're at school
A school based apprenticeship or traineeship lets you gain paid, real-world experience alongside your classes to help kick start your career while still at school!
Benefits of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships
If you love hands-on learning, SBATs can boost your skills and confidence early on, making it easier to land jobs in the future.
Here’s why you should consider it:
- Build your dream career now instead of waiting until after school
- Learn by doing, which is way cooler than just sitting in a classroom
- Make money while you learn
- Work towards a qualification that really matters in the job market
- Meet potential employers and make connections that could help you land a job later
Did you know?
19,000+
Young Australians did an SBAT in 2023
*NCVER
15
is the minimum age you must be to start a SBAT
100,000+
MEGT has supported over 100,000 SBAT apprentices and trainees!
Who can be a school-based apprentice or trainee?
To be considered ‘school-based’, traineeships or apprenticeships must be incorporated into the student's school timetable, with regular time taken to undertake either work or ‘off-the-job’ training.
Students must also be:
- 15 years of age or over when they begin an SBAT;
- An Australian citizen, foreign national with permanent residency status, or a New Zealand passport holder resident in Australia for at least six months;
- Undertaking an Australian SBAT which is endorsed by the school principal (or equivalent for non-secondary school education providers), as an integral part of the school program;
- Attending on-the-job training as required by the relevant state or territory.
For more information view our SBAT factsheet.
3 steps to becoming a school-based apprentice or trainee
SBATs are available in a wide range of jobs including technology, health, hospitality, business, construction, engineering, community care and more! Have a think about what you are good at and what interests you, and talk to your family, friends and teachers too.
Our career explorer page might also be useful, or you can check out yourcareer.gov.au
Talk to your VET coordinator or careers advisor about apprenticeship options and work experience opportunities. Work experience helps you get an idea of what it’s like to work in the industry you like, and helps you build cool career connections!
Make sure your resume is ready and start applying for jobs! MEGT has a range of templates and tools to help your application stand out. You can also search for SBAT jobs on MEGT's Job Board and approach employers or ask family or friends for referrals.
Stories from real apprentices and trainees
Lola, QLD
After doing work experience with Paul Deranja Brick and Blocklaying Services, Lola secured herself a school-based apprenticeship. With only one in every 100 bricklayers being female, Lola is looking to break the mould and forge a career as a tradeswoman.
Nathan, NSW
As Evelyn Scott School’s first ever school-based apprentice, Nathan signed up to his carpentry apprenticeship with Sam Burton Projects. Nathan is super excited to do what he loves while completing Year Ten with the full support of his school and parents!
Georgia, WA
Georgia is doing her carpentry school-based apprenticeship and is proof that young women can excel in trades. She takes pride in seeing a finished house and knowing she helped build it! Georgia told us: “MEGT is always checking in on my progress and offering great advice.”
Liam, SA
Liam is a school-based trainee who has had a significant and positive impact upon Tumby Bay Area School’s support team and teachers. Liam loves working with the students, igniting their passion for mathematics and boosting their confidence.
Are you an educator or careers advisor?
If you would like further information about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships or would like to express your interest in having MEGT visit your school, visit our information for schools page or email acpinfo@megt.com.au.