Homestead Careers and Pathways Newsletter

Apprenticeship Information

CMV Truck & Bus

Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeships

 

https://cmvtb.com.au/contact-us/

 

Information evening 3rd April 2025- book in via link

 

This company has 2 information evenings every year 

abbe - Packaging

 

https://www.abbe.com.au/employment-opportunities/

 

Apprenticeship opportunities for Maintenance Electrician

 

Apprentice Maintenance Fitter 

 

Apprenticeships & Traineeships

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships explained

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships offer high school students a unique pathway that combines traditional schooling with real-world work experience and vocational training. They're a valuable pathway for students who want to obtain their high school certificate while also building practical skills and earning money in their chosen field.

But what do school-based apprenticeships and traineeships involve and why might you consider doing one? We're going to cover all that and more, so let's take a look.

 

What exactly are school-based apprenticeships and traineeships?

As the name suggests, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (also known as SBATs) allow students to combine their school studies with work and vocational training.

You can begin an SBAT in Year 10, 11, or 12, splitting your time between three key components:

  • continuing essential school work
  • undertaking formal vocational training (either in person or online)
  • working part-time and receiving hands-on training and mentoring

They're perfect for students who learn best by doing, are keen to get a head start on their career, may be struggling with traditional school, or aren’t interested in heading to university straight after high school.

 

The timeline and commitment

Like a regular apprenticeship or traineeship, SBATs typically take between 1-4 years to complete. The exact length of an SBAT will depend on the qualification you want to study and how much time you can dedicate to part-time work each week. Some students may need to continue their training after leaving school to complete their qualification.

During this period, you'll need to make a genuine commitment to both your education and your employer. You'll be learning to balance multiple responsibilities, which is excellent preparation for adult working life.

 

What can you gain from a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship?

By the time students complete Year 12, they could walk away with:

  • a high school certificate
  • a nationally-recognised qualification
  • an ATAR (depending on their subject choices)
  • paid work experience
  • practical, industry-specific skills
  • industry contacts and mentors
  • a head start in their chosen career

Perhaps most importantly, many students receive full-time job offers from their employers once their SBAT is complete. If you show commitment, work ethic, skills, and you're a good fit for the team, you could walk into your first full-time job without the hassle of applications and interviews.

 

How long have school-based apprenticeships and traineeships been around?

SBATs are a tried and tested pathway with strong foundations, and have been part of Australia's education landscape since 1996.

The numbers speak to their popularity and effectiveness: in 2023, approximately 252,105 school students undertook VET as part of their senior schooling, and 19,310 (or 7.7%) of these students participated in a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

 

How are school-based apprenticeships and traineeships funded?

SBATs and other vocational qualifications for young people are designed to be accessible, so they're often fully funded by federal or state governments. This means there are typically no additional costs beyond normal school expenses, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent participation.

 

Who can participate?

To be eligible to undertake an SBAT, you must:

  • be enrolled full-time at school
  • be aged 15 or older
  • have your school's agreement
  • find an employer willing to take you on
  • have parental permission (if you're under 18)

Most students who meet these basic requirements can participate, though it's a good idea to check specific requirements with both your school and in your state or territory, as these can vary slightly.

 

Who's involved in a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship?

Similar to regular apprenticeships and traineeships, SBATs involve commitment and support from multiple parties.

 

The Apprentice Connect Australia Provider

Apprentice Connect Australia Providers (or ACAPs) provide you with free advice and resources to start your SBAT. They'll work with you and other parties to finalise your training contract, find an employer and Registered Training Organisation, and help you claim any financial support you're eligible for.

Note that you can’t start an apprenticeship or traineeship without an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.

 

The employer

Before you can start, you'll need to find an employer willing to hire you for the duration of your SBAT. Your employer is responsible for providing you with work, on-the-job training, and the same minimum entitlements as any other employee (such as wages, superannuation, and leave).

In some cases, your employer may also cover some of the costs of your training, like your education fees or necessary tools and equipment.

 

The training provider

As well as work, you'll also complete formal education as part of your SBAT, delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (or RTO). RTOs are educational institutions like TAFEs, universities, or private providers - in some cases, your training may even be delivered directly by your school.

Your RTO will work together with you and your employer to create a training plan, which covers everything you'll learn and how you'll learn it throughout your SBAT.

 

The school

Of course, you'll need approval and support from your school to undertake an SBAT. They can provide you and your family with information about how the process works, let you know which school subjects you still need to take, and create your new timetable.

 

The parents

Anyone under the age of 18 needs permission from a parent or guardian to undertake an SBAT, so speak to them early if it's an option you're considering. They can help you explore your options, find an employer, and work with the school to negotiate your new timetable. You might also need extra help from them to travel to and from work and your RTO.

 

The student

Last but certainly not least, you also need to be fully on board at each stage of the journey through your SBAT. You'll need to show up to school, work, and training, manage your time effectively, and let your school, employer, or family know if you need additional support.

 

Starting a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship

Starting an SBAT involves several steps, but you have plenty of support throughout the process.

 

Do your research

Before making a decision, explore different industries and careers to find something that genuinely interests you and offers good long-term prospects. You might like to check out resources like the Pathways Explorer or Your Career.

 

Talk to your school

You should always begin by talking with your school's VET coordinator, careers advisor, or guidance officer to understand the available options and how they fit into your academic and career plans.

 

Find and apply for jobs

An ACAP is usually your first point of contact, as they can help you find suitable opportunities. Group Training Organisations (GTOs) can also connect you with employers looking for apprentices or trainees. Your school might also have existing contacts or employers for you to explore.

This is also the stage where you (or your employer or school) will choose an RTO.

 

Sort out the practicalities

Don't forget the essential admin, like obtaining a Unique Student Identifier (USI), opening a bank account, applying for a tax file number (TFN), and exploring financial support options.

 

Sign your contract and enrol

Once your employer, RTO, school, and ACAP have finalised your training contract, all that's left to do is for you and your parent or guardian to sign it and you're ready to begin.

 

Starting your career journey

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships offer an excellent pathway for students who want to combine academic achievement with practical career preparation. If you think it might be the right option for you, start exploring your options now so you can make the best decision for your future goals.

 

Balancing work, study, and life as an apprentice

Starting your journey as an apprentice is an exciting step towards building your career. You're earning while learning, getting hands-on experience, and working towards a qualification all at the same time.

But juggling work responsibilities, study commitments, and still having a life outside of all that? That can be challenging. Let's look at some practical ways to balance work, study, and life as an apprentice.

Why is balance important? 

When you're doing an apprenticeship, you have multiple responsibilities to manage:

  • Working regular hours at your workplace
  • Attending classes or training sessions
  • Completing assignments or studying for assessments
  • And still finding time for friends, family, and things you enjoy

Finding the right balance is key - when you're managing your time well, you'll feel less stressed, perform better at work and in your studies, and actually enjoy the journey.

Practical tips for balancing it all 

Now you know why balance is important, let's dive into how you can achieve it.

Create a realistic schedule 

Having a clear plan for your week can make a huge difference. Try these tips:

  • Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your work hours, class times, and study blocks
  • Schedule in social activities and downtime too - these aren't extras, they're essentials
  • Be realistic about what you can achieve in a day. Overloading your schedule will only lead to burnout

Communicate with your employer and training provider 

Most employers and training providers understand the challenges apprentices face. Don't be afraid to:

  • Talk to your boss if you're struggling with deadlines or workload
  • Speak with your trainer if you need extra support with your studies
  • Ask about flexible arrangements during busy assessment periods

Develop good study habits 

Making the most of your study time means you won't need to sacrifice your personal life as much:

  • Find your most productive time of day for studying (are you a morning person or night owl?)
  • Break down big assignments into smaller, manageable chunks
  • Remove distractions during study time - put your phone on silent or use apps that block social media

Look after your wellbeing 

As always, your physical and mental health need to be priorities:

  • Make time for regular exercise - even a 20-minute walk can boost your mood and energy
  • Eat well and get enough sleep - skimping on these basics will affect your performance
  • Take proper breaks during the day to refresh your mind
  • Stay connected with friends and family who support you

Find efficiencies where you can 

Look for ways to save time without cutting corners.:

  • Meal prep on weekends to save time and eat healthier during the week
  • Use commute time for light studying or listening to relevant podcasts
  • Combine activities where possible (catch up with a friend while exercising)

Remember why you're doing this 

On tough days, remind yourself of your goals and the benefits of completing your apprenticeship:

  • You're gaining valuable skills that employers want
  • You're working your way towards a career you'll love
  • You're earning while others might be racking up student debt
  • You're building real-world experience that can't be taught in a classroom

When to seek support 

If you're consistently feeling overwhelmed despite your best efforts, it might be time to ask for help. Here are some places you can go:

  • Talk to your employer's HR department or apprenticeship coordinator
  • Reach out to support services at your training provider
  • Connect with other apprentices who understand what you're going through
  • Speak with a trusted adult or counsellor if stress is affecting your wellbeing

Remember, asking for help isn't a sign of weakness - it's something we all need to do from time to time.

 

Is an apprenticeship the right path for you?

When it comes to planning your future career, there's always more than one road to success. While university is usually the most popular route, an apprenticeship can be a practical and rewarding path that's perfect for certain types of learners. Let's explore what makes apprenticeships special and whether this pathway might be the right choice for you.

Why consider an apprenticeship? 

While university is a great way to become qualified for some careers, it's definitely not for everyone. These days, apprenticeships are available in a huge number of industries, from construction and hospitality to business, technology, and the arts.

Let's take a look at some of the reasons why you might choose an apprenticeship over university.

You'll get hands-on learning from day one 

Apprenticeships offer a hands-on approach to learning that's quite different from university education. Instead of spending most of your time in lectures and tutorials, you'll work directly in your chosen field from the start.

This means you'll gain practical skills and real-world experience immediately, applying what you learn in actual workplace situations rather than theoretical scenarios.

You can earn while you learn 

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages is that apprenticeships come with a regular paycheck - you're essentially being paid to learn and grow in your chosen career path.

This can be a huge financial advantage over university, where you might need to find part-time work to support yourself or, in some cases, complete unpaid placements to become qualified.

You'll enjoy faster career progression 

In most apprenticeships, you'll work alongside experienced professionals from day one. You can build a professional network and make valuable industry connections that could open doors throughout your career.

This mentorship approach often leads to faster career advancement compared to a traditional academic route.

There's often a clear path to employment 

Many apprenticeships come with a direct pathway into permanent employment. Employers who offer apprenticeships frequently hire their apprentices as full-time employees after they complete their training.

This means you could have a job waiting for you at the end of your apprenticeship, which isn't always guaranteed with a university degree.

How do you know if an apprenticeship is right for you? 

If you thrive in hands-on environments and prefer practical learning over traditional classroom settings, an apprenticeship could be perfect for you.

However, it's important to understand that apprenticeships still involve study - and you'll be committing to a real job with all the responsibilities that entails, including:

  • Turning up on time and being reliable
  • Following instructions and workplace policies
  • Contributing meaningfully to your team and projects

For some people, university might be a better fit, and that's perfectly fine too. If your dream career requires a specific academic qualification or demands deep theoretical understanding, you'll likely need to pursue higher education.

Making the right choice for you 

Remember, your decision should be based on your personal goals, learning style, and career aspirations, not what someone else thinks is best for you. Consider what motivates you, how you prefer to learn, and what kind of work environment makes you feel most productive.

And if you try one path and decide it's not for you, it's never too late to try something else - whether that's going from an apprenticeship to university or vice versa.