Pathways

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) are an employment-based learning pathway that you can take during your secondary schooling. You will combine your senior school years with paid part-time employment and skills training in your chosen field.

About Head Start

Head Start connects students to SBAT opportunities. Head Start Coordinators located in schools across Victoria support students to identify and commence their SBAT, complete school, and transition to full time employment post-school.
You can undertake an SBAT if you are:

Over 15 years old
Enrolled in years 10, 11 or 12
An Australian citizen or permanent resident.

*Non-citizens may be eligible under certain circumstances. Speak with your Head Start coordinator for more information.

Benefits

increase your future employability and earning potential, by gaining the skills, confidence and knowledge you need to succeed in the future workplace
undertake a secondary certificate such as the VCE, including the VCE Vocational Major, or the Victorian Pathways Certificate.
undertake paid employment to build the career you want.
access quality VET courses, in a wide range of industries with an approved training provider.
combine regular school attendance with a minimum of 7 hours per week of employment, and a minimum of 6 hours per week of structured training, (averaged over 3 periods of 4 months in each year of the SBAT). At least 1 day per week is timetabled by your school to be spent on the job or in training during the normal school week.