Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbAs)* are a great career option. You can start your vocational training, earn a wage and get hands on experience while finishing school.
Training is delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and can be done for a few hours every week, or less often in blocks.
You will need to negotiate your attendance at work and training with your school.
Paid employment can take place outside or during school hours based on your employer’s needs. The number of hours you need to work is different between states and territories.
How much you are paid will depend on the award or enterprise agreement you are employed under.
Some ASbAs will be completed by the time you have finished school. Others may continue past your graduation. How long your ASbA takes will depend on your qualification type and the speed you progress.
To start an ASbA you need to contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (Apprenticeship Network) provider.
Your Apprenticeship Network provider will support you throughout your apprenticeship. They will:
- help you find an employer and registered training organisation to complete your training.
- provide a training contract for you and your employer to sign.
- assess you for a Trade Support Loan and any other payment you may be eligible for.
- provide advice and support to you during your apprenticeship.
Where can I find more information?
- Read the Australian School-based Apprenticeships Factsheet
- For all queries about Australian Apprenticeships contact an Apprenticeship Network provider.
- For ASbas in South Australia you will need to complete a School Pre-endorsement form.
- For information about courses, training organisations, and more go to the myskills website.
- To explore your options and find the career pathway for you, head to the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways website.
- For help with particular course information contact a Registered Training Organisation.
- For workplace rights and obligations visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
- For information on assistance for people with a disability visit the Job Access website.
- For information on Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY visit the Department of Human Services website.
*ASbAs are also known as School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SbATs) in some states.