Study a School-Based Apprenticeship or School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) and set yourself up for the career you desire while completing your Higher School Certificate (HSC). Explore your interests while combining education with practical, real-world experience at TAFE NSW.

School-Based Apprenticeships

With a School-Based Apprenticeship you train on the job, study and earn an income, all while working towards becoming a qualified tradesperson.

As a school-based apprentice, you’ll complete the first stage of formal training requirements during your HSC year.

School-Based Traineeships

School-Based Traineeships allow you to study for your HSC while training for a vocational career path, such as:

• office administration

• information technology

• hospitality.

With a school-based traineeship, you’ll have completed your chosen qualification by the end of your HSC year.

There are so many perks to studying as a school-based apprentice or school-based trainee with TAFE NSW. When you study an SBAT, you:

• will earn while you learn

• will get practical industry experience, nationally recognised training and your HSC

• could progress to the second year of an apprenticeship after you finish school (school-based apprentice only)

• could gain at least two units of credit towards your HSC (with a potential four more units of HSC credit through the industry-based learning course)

• will complete a minimum of 100 days of paid work or as specified in the relevant Vocational Training Order

• will generally work one day per week, as negotiated between your school, employer, parents/carers and TAFE NSW

• undertake regular formal training with TAFE NSW.

To find out more, visit the NSW Government SBAT page below.

If you need help navigating your SBAT journey, speak with your school’s careers advisor or VET coordinator, or check out the support services available at TAFE NSW below.

If you have a disability, our Disability Teacher Consultants can chat with you about getting the support you need to make the most of your studies. This service is free and confidential.

If you’re an employer and you’ve forgotten your employer e-services login details, call us on 131 601 and select the option for login enquiries. Or, send us an online enquiry below.