Careers News

VET/SBAT

A VET study is quite different to sitting in a normal school classroom. VET Courses are provided by Registered Training Organisations (RTO) which are usually TAFE Institutions and are heavily aligned with ‘hands on’ practical industry experience  - hence the term ‘vocational training.’  A School-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) combines: part-time, practical experience in the workplace, and recognised, structured training with a Registered Training Organisation and school studies. School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are open to students 15 years of age or over. Year 10 students can start an SBAT in Semester two of their Year 10 program. To complete a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship in Victoria, the student must be enrolled in Years 10, 11 or 12.

One of the major differences between VET and SBAT is you can apply to enrol in a VET Course, but an SBAT you will need to find an employer who commits to employing you in a part time capacity, pays you and supports your through your training aspect, as you commence your chosen career pathway. With all SBATs it is a requirement to complete a minimum of 13 hours per week which includes both your  work placement and your  training.

School Based Traineeships:

It is possible to complete a traineeship while you are still at school. In a School Based, Part Time Traineeship, you complete your Traineeship part time and complete your VCE or VCE/VM as well. A school based, part time trainee must complete the same number of hours of work and training that a full time trainee is expected to complete (normally 1200-1600 hours) they just do it over a longer period of time.

You would normally work with your host employer for between 5-7 hours per week, plus some time in the school holidays.

As a school based, part time trainee/apprentice, you get:

• a job
• accredited training
• ongoing advice and support
• a training wage
• a VCE Certificate
• a nationally recognised qualification

School Based Apprenticeships:

It is possible to complete part of an Apprenticeship while you are still at school. In a School Based, Part Time Apprenticeship, you complete part of your Apprenticeship part time and complete your VCE and VCE/VM as well. A school based, part time apprentice will normally complete the first year of their apprenticeship while they are at school and then complete the rest of the apprenticeship full time once they have completed school.