Although they are the same as other types of apprenticeships, Australian School-Based Apprenticeships (ASBA) start on a part-time basis when the apprentice is in secondary school. As well as receiving on-the-job training with an employer, you will earn money and progress towards achieving a nationally-recognised qualification whilst completing your secondary level education at the same time.
By undertaking an ASBAs, you will learn new skills and knowledge specific to the profession and this employment experience will pay the way for your career. Those who begin their school-based apprenticeships early could be fully-qualified in their profession by the age of 21.
If the ASBA is not an option at your school, you may wish to explore other options, like Vocational Education and Training in School (VET in Schools). Moreover, you could study a school subject that is relevant to your desired profession. By doing this, you will be well-prepared to start an apprenticeship or traineeship when finishing school
Several ASBAs will continue once the apprentice has left school. However, once the apprenticeship or traineeship is completed, the employee can attend university, progress towards a higher level qualification or set up their own business.
We know it's exciting! But please follow these steps before exploring ASBA opportunities.
- Talk to your parents/guardians. If you are under 18 (which you most probably are), their signature of approval will be required.
- Find out whether your school offers Australian School-Based Apprenticeships
- Make sure your chosen school-based apprenticeship is approved in your state. Use the Job and Training Description Search resource to help you with this
- Ask your career advisor, VET coordinator or school principal for their approval.
More about your ASBA Journey
Important Parties
Parents and Guardians
All legal paperwork regarding your apprenticeship must be signed by a parent or guardian if the apprentice is under 18 years of age, with the Training Contract and Training Plan being the most important of these documents.
Employer
To begin your ASBA, an offer of employment is mandatory. Throughout the programme, you will be trained by the employer. Special arrangements will be made to ensure that the ASBA training takes place around your school studies.
School
The ASBA has to be approved by your school before you can begin the apprenticeship. The school will also ensure that you understand the details of the work and training.
Apprenticeship Network Providers
After all concerned parties (i.e. the school, parent/guardian and the employer) reach an agreement, they will all be required to sign the training contract. This will be arranged by an Apprenticeship Network provider.
Registered Training Provider
Once the training contract has been signed by all parties, a training plan will be developed by the training provider. This plan will detail all information relation to the delivery of both on-the-job and off-the-job training.
Contract Changes
All concerned parties must be informed of any changes to the training contract. This includes information about time-off and any ASBA cancellations.
If you are unable to finish the apprenticeship whilst at school, you and your employer must get in touch with the Apprenticeship Network Provider that carried out the sign-up process. The status of the apprenticeship/traineeship can then be changed from school-based to full-time or part-time if required.
More information about the training contract and training plan can be found by following the link below:
Study, work and state-related information
Will I be paid?
Of course, Not only will you learn new skills and gain experience, but you will also be paid. The pay varies between professions and industries. You can find important information about this on the Wages and Financial Support page.
Will the training contribute to my Secondary School Certificate of Education?
It is possible, but the extent of the contribution varies between states and is based on the qualification that will be achieved. Your career adviser or school VET coordinator will be able to give you more details about this.
Working Hours
The hours that you will be required to work during your apprenticeship or traineeship will be based on your state or territory's laws.
This is something that you should ask your school and employer about. Further information about ASBA legislation relevant to working hours can be found by visiting the websites of your State and Territory School-Based Apprenticeship provider.
Support Services
It can be challenging to work and study at the same time. Talk to you parents/guardians, school staff and employer if you are having any issues. You can also visit the Ongoing Support for Apprentices page to find out more information about support available to you during your apprenticeship.
Use the following links for detailed, state-specific information about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships: