School Based Apprenticeships

What is an Australian School-Based Apprenticeship (ASBA)?

A School-Based Apprenticeship is a great way to start your career while completing your SACE. ASBAs allow senior school students to combine paid work, training and school, while working towards their SACE and a nationally-recognised qualification.

Students undertaking ASBAs commence a Contract of Training through a part-time Apprenticeship or Traineeship. They learn skills (competencies) on-the-job and through training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

What are the benefits of undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship?

• Getting a head start in your chosen job without competing with the rest of the school leavers in the state.

• Earning credits as part of your training which accrue towards your SACE.

• Starting your career and earning money while you are still at school.

• Working towards or gaining a nationally-recognised qualification.

• Gaining hands-on experience in a career-orientated job.

• Having adult responsibility as a member of the workforce.

Does an Australian School-Based Apprentice get paid?

Yes! The relevant industry Award covers most School-Based Apprenticeships. Students are paid for the time spent in the workplace.

How long does an Australian School-Based Apprenticeship take to complete?

If the ASBA is not completed prior to the student completing SACE, students will continue on as a permanent employee until it is completed. Apprenticeships are now competency-based, which means that if all the training is successfully completed and the employer believes the Apprentice or Trainee is competent in all areas, the Contract of Training can be ‘signed off’. Students commencing a Certificate Ill or IV generally work part-time while still attending school, then continue full-time to complete the Apprenticeship when their schooling is finished

(SACE is achieved).

How much time does a School-Based Apprentice spend away from school?

As facilitated by the school’s Apprenticeship Broker, the School-Based Apprenticeship can be organised in a number of ways. It can be by working one or more days a week; on weekends; during school holidays or blocks of time (eg a number of weeks in a row). This is negotiated between the employer, the school and the student.

At least eight hours per week on-the-job is required.

What are Apprenticeship Brokers?

Apprenticeship Brokers are employed by the Department of Education for Child Development (DECD) as part of the Trade Schools for the Future strategy. Their role is to facilitate School-Based Apprenticeships between students, parents/ caregivers, employers, schools and Registered Training Organisations. This involves negotiation of work day(s) or hours at work and a review of students’ individual learning plans for SACE completion.

Apprenticeship Brokers work closely with students, school staff and parents/caregivers to connect students with employers to establish School-Based Apprenticeships.

How can I meet with an Apprenticeship Broker?

Year 10, 11 or 12 students from public schools in the Western Adelaide Trade Schools for the Future cluster (and their parents/caregivers) can arrange a meeting with an Apprenticeship Broker. There are programmed dates and times that interviews at each school are available. Students can contact their school’s VET Leader to arrange a meeting.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information about School Based Apprenticeships, please go to www.wats.sa.edu.au.

Please click here to view the School Based Apprenticeship Promotional Video

 ASBA Information Booklet