School-based traineeships and apprenticeships combine schooling at the senior secondary level with training and employment, which contribute to the achievement of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), or an equivalent qualification, and a vocational education and training (VET) qualification.

The student’s timetable at school and work is balanced between the needs of the student, the employer and the school, and complements, but does not compromise, achievement of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) or equivalent.

How does an SBAT differ from other forms of apprenticeships or traineeships?

• An SBAT allows students to begin their apprenticeship or traineeship in Year 10, 11 or 12 with the training contributing towards their SACE
• The student’s proposed Training Plan must be endorsed by the School Principle or Delegate as being an integral component of the student’s SACE

If the training is not an integral component of the student’s SACE, the Principal/Delegate is under no obligation to sign the School-based Training Plan. In this case, the Training Contract will not proceed as an SBAT but may be re-negotiated as a part-time apprenticeship/traineeship.

From 2022, all School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) require Form 1285 to be completed by the student, parent or guardian, and endorsed by the school, prior to a Training Contract being signed by a school student.

Form 1285

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships that access government subsidised training require students to sit an Upfront Assessment of Need (UAN). This is initiated by schools completing Part A of the VETRO Referral for the student.

Fee for Service training associated with SBATs does not require a student VETRO Referral.

School Enrolled Student VETRO Referral Form

The School-based Apprenticeships/Traineeships (SBAT) Resource for teachers, parents and students was jointly developed by Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) and the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA).

This Resource is for teachers in schools who work with or want to learn more about School-based Apprenticeships/Traineeships (SBATs). It will assist schools and school personnel to develop policies and processes that support models of best practice for SBATs. This includes ensuring that students are monitored and supported throughout their apprenticeship/traineeship pathway.

Download School Based Apprenticeships: Traineeships (SBAT) A Resource For School

• Appendix 3.1 SBAT Fact Sheet for Students and Parents – Carers
• Appendix 3.2 SBAT Fact Sheet for Employers
• Appendix 5.1 Letter to Parent Carer Endorsement of SBAT
• Appendix 5.2 Letter to Parent Carer Non-endorsement of SBAT
• Appendix 5.3 Letter to AAC Endorsement of SBAT
• Appendix 5.4 Training Contract Details Authorisation Request for Access to Training Contract Info Letter
• Appendix 5.5 Letter to AAC Non-endorsement of SBAT
• Appendix 5.6 Letter to RTO Request for release of SBAT Results
• Appendix 5.7 Results Authorisation Letter Request for Access to SBATs Results
• Appendix 6.1 SBAT Page 64 Appendix 6 SBAT Checklist
• Appendix 6.2 Administrative SBAT Checklist

WorkReady – Traineeship & Apprenticeship Information Hotline 1800 673 097

My Skills – Australian School-based Apprenticeships (SBAT or ASbA) videos developed by Education Services Australia on behalf of the Australian Government

Australian Apprenticeships – Fact sheets and further information on Australian School-based Apprenticeships

Find an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider

Australian Apprenticeship Pathways – General and State specific information about SBATs

Department of Premier and Cabinet – Information and Links for schools, students and parents about SBATs

Fair Work Ombudsman – Information about wages and work conditions

Office of the Training Advocate – Advocates and helps students understand the rights and obligations under the training contract

Group Training Australia (GTA SA) – Information for schools, students and parents. Search by industry type on Group Training Organisations (GTO)