What can an SBAT do for you?
- Help you get an early start in your dream career
- Learn practical skills with valuable, hands-on work experience
- Earn real wages through part-time employment
- Work towards a nationally recognised qualification
- Stay in school with your mates – and graduate alongside them, too
- Gain credit towards your VCE, VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate
- The option to continue with further vocational education or university studies once you’ve finished your apprenticeship or traineeship
How it works
SBATs are open to senior secondary students 15 years and up who are enrolled in VCE or from 2023, the VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate. You will combine regular school attendance with at least one day a week on the job or in structured training provided by a registered training organisation (RTO).
The program involves a formal training contract with an employer, and a training plan registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). SBATs need to be approved by your school and meet Department of Education guidelines.
By starting an apprenticeship or traineeship at school, you may be able to reduce the time required to complete an apprenticeship or even complete a traineeship, depending on the type of qualification you want.
For most students, the first step towards an SBAT will be speaking with a teacher or careers advisor at your school. They can help you find out opportunities that are available in your area and how you can access them.
Some Victorian schools participate in the Head Start program – a flexible approach to running SBATs.
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