How to employ a school-based apprentice and trainee (SBAT)

SBATs let students work part-time while they are still at school. They learn real job skills and gain a qualification as part of their school study program

On this page

  • Time required: 1–2 days per week
  • Length: 1–3 years
  • Student number: one or more students per placement
  • Employer commitment: high
  • Activities: paid work, supervised training, mentoring and feedback
  • Outcome: may lead to a full-time apprenticeship after school

Examples

  • A construction company works with a local school and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to train a carpentry apprentice. The student spends one day each week on-site and one day in training toward a Certificate III.
  • A health care provider employs a trainee through the Head Start program. The student studies for a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance while working in a clinic.
  • Through Head Start’s matching process, a retailer employs a trainee in customer service and stock control. The student studies for a Certificate II in Retail while the employer and school planned work and training time together.

How to start an SBAT: employer guide

Before the SBAT commencement – plan and prepare

  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or contact the Head Start program.
  • Meet with the student, school, parents or guardians to discuss career goals.
  • Confirm student eligibility:
    • Australian Citizen
    • In Year 10, 11 or 12
    • Aged 15 or older
    • Enrolled in VCE, VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate
  • Work with Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) and student to complete and sign the training contract
  • Help create the Training Plan with the school, RTO and student. Include tasks, hours and training and make sure it meets the minimum hours: 13 hours per week on average
    • At least 7 hours paid work
    • At least 6 hours training

Preparing your staff

  • Choose qualified staff to supervise and train the student.
  • Train supervisors on mentoring and support.
  • Explain workplace policies such as safety and conduct.
  • Check transport and travel arrangements are safe and legal.
  • Give the student a timetable and supervision plan.
  • Plan regular check-ins with the student and school.

During the SBAT – A quality experience for all

Commencement

  • Welcome the student and introduce them to the team
  • Explain your business and workplace values
  • Set clear rules for behaviour, safety and attendance
  • Give a tour and show emergency exits and procedures
  • Explain your bullying, privacy and safety policies to the student
  • List learning goals and skills to be developed

Ongoing

  • Record attendance and the tasks they have finished
  • Include the student in meetings where possible
  • The minimum number of employment and training hours for SBAT arrangements is 13 hours per week and must include a minimum 7 hours per week of paid employment and 6 hours per week of training
  • Make sure they attend RTO training sessions
  • Stay in regular contact with the school and training provider
  • Give feedback and solve problems early
  • Plan backup tasks in case work changes

Supervising students

  • Give tasks suited to their training level
  • Keep students safe and supervised at all times
  • Do not allow work that needs a licence or is unsafe
  • Give the student clear instructions and safety gear
  • Offer feedback and support
  • Allow time for training tasks and work journals
  • Use qualified staff to sign off skills and assessments
  • Report progress to the RTO
  • Raise issues early with the school or RTO

After the SBAT – review and follow up

  • Give feedback to the student about their work
  • Discuss what they learned and their next steps
  • Review progress with the school and RTO
  • Update the Training Plan if needed
  • Tell the student to keep up their apprenticeship or traineeship
  • Complete final reports for VRQA or the RTO
  • Stay connected for future training opportunities
  • Student may become fully qualified and an integral part of your regular workforce

How to get involved

  • The Head Start program helps students in government schools start an SBAT. Head Start teams match employers with suitable students. There are 12 Head Start hubs across Victoria. Visit the Head Start website to find a hub near your business.
  • Or contact us if you are interested in hosting an SBAT by filling in this Expression of Interest form

Additional resources

Further information

How can I make students feel welcome and included?

  • Show that you value the ideas of people from different backgrounds. It helps students see that you are open to new ideas and that their ideas matter.
  • Create a friendly, respectful work environment. When people feel they belong, they take part more.
  • Show diversity in your team. Students feel safer and more understood when they see people like them.

Here are some good documents to support this:

How do I encourage all types of students to apply for SBAT?

  • Before starting an SBAT, students usually take part in pre-vocational programs during Years 9 and 10 such as work experience or Structured Workplace Learning
  • Use fair hiring practices that welcome young people from many backgrounds
  • Write job ads in plain language so they are easy for all students to understand
  • Encourage people from all cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, and people with disability to apply
  • Select students using fair rules. Consider people’s different needs and give support when required

How do I make SBAT students feel safe and supported?

  • Create a workplace where everyone feels safe and respected
  • Point out your rules about bullying and unfair treatment and who to ask for help
  • Provide training so staff can learn about different cultures and ways of life
  • Offer flexible work hours and other support to help young workers who have special needs
  • Make time to show students how the workplace works and support them as they learn
  • Provide opportunities for young people young people to ask questions and raise concerns safely

How can I help students to get the most out of their SBAT placement?

  • Give young workers chances to learn new skills
  • Encourage students to ask your staff for advice on job skills and careers
  • Provide a mentor or peer support
  • Connect students with staff networks
  • Encourage and support students to complete year 12 while undertaking their SBAT and develop the skills they need to pursue a career aligned with their interests and capability

How can I make students feel safe and welcome

  • Treat everyone fairly so students feel safe
  • Show equal treatment so students see good behaviour
  • Use inclusive policies so all students feel welcome
  • Check the workplace culture often to keep it positive for students

How can I track and improve SBAT?

  • Check in to understand how young workers are doing
  • Review who may need more support
  • Review diversity and inclusion programs often to make sure they still work
  • Share progress with staff and keep working to improve

Supporting Aboriginal students and workers

  • Create a safe and respectful workplace for Aboriginal people.
  • Connect Aboriginal students with Aboriginal staff networks.
  • Show respect for Aboriginal culture and history. Include a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country when appropriate.
  • Include Aboriginal voices and stories in learning and work.
  • Train staff so they understand Aboriginal culture and how to support Aboriginal workers.
  • Work with Aboriginal communities and organisations to create real opportunities.
  • Involve Aboriginal people in decisions that affect them.
Education & training

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