School Based Apprentices work part-time and complete the first stage of their apprenticeship training by the end of the HSC. School Based Apprentices sign a Training Contract as an apprentice which continues after year 12 and they continue their study at TAFE.

School Based Trainees work part-time and complete their formal traineeship by the end of the HSC and receive a certificate II qualification.  School based Trainees sign a Training Contract that ends when they have completed the HSC study and work commitments. After the HSC they may be offered an apprenticeship with the same employer or another employer. NSW School Based Trainees who are funded under Smart and Skilled may be eligible for fee free training. For more information visit https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/are-you-eligible

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships eligibility criteria:

To be eligible to be subsidised to undertake a qualification under the SBAT program a student must:
(a) be undertaking a qualification listed on the NSW Skills list as an apprenticeship or traineeship qualification, and
(b) an approved or registered School Based Apprentice or School Based Trainee in NSW at the time of commencing the qualification, and
(c) have the qualification shown on their Training Contract

School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) provide you with the opportunity to attain a nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification as well as your Higher School Certificate (HSC) while gaining valuable work skills and experience through paid employment. They are supported and promoted by both the State and Commonwealth Governments. The Hunter Trade College will strive to secure SBATs for you whenever possible. You may also secure them independently. If you have secured an SBAT and enrol at the Hunter Trade College you must:

Undertake the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) at the College

Complete a Nationally recognised qualification (VET) course at the College

Benefits of the SBAT Scheme

The major benefits include:
Providing a link to employment while participating in a HSC VET program at the College
Introducing you to the realities of the work-place in terms of the attitudes, knowledge and skills you require to secure employment as a quality trainee/apprentice.
For more information visit the School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships in NSW Website: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/career-and-study-pathways/school-based-apprenticeships-and-traineeships