How school-based apprenticeships and traineeships work

Your work or training must affect your school timetable for it to be considered a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT).

You will have to work out an agreed schedule that outlines when you are at school, at work or at training.

School studies

Your school will work with you to change your timetable to include time for working and training.

You will continue to go to school to earn your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and work towards an OP if that is the direction you are heading.

The qualification or competencies you complete through your work and training will be recorded on your QCE.

Work

Employers must provide you with paid employment for a minimum number of days* for each year of your SAT. The requirements vary according to the start date, and there are special arrangements for electrotechnology SATs.

Training contracts that commenced or re-commenced:

• on or after 1 January 2013 require paid employment for a minimum of 50 days each year
• prior to 1 January 2013 require paid employment for a minimum of 48 days each year.

All training contracts in electrotechnology require paid employment for a minimum of 80 days each year.

*The definition of a ‘day’ for the purpose of this policy is a minimum of 7.6 hours (unless a greater figure is specified in the relevant industrial award).

The number of days you work within a school week is negotiated between you, your parent or guardian, your employer and your school.

Work and training may take place:

• 1 to 2 days per week
• for blocks of time in the workplace
• on weekends, school holidays or after school.

Training

You and your employer will select a supervising registered training organisation (SRTO). An SRTO is a registered training organisation that delivers training and assessment to an apprentice or trainee under a training contract. The SRTO will also oversee on-the-job training provided by the employer.

Search for training organisations or contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210 for more information.

The training may be:

• classroom-based
• work-based
• flexible delivery (e.g. online training).

Your SRTO will also work with you and your employer to develop a training plan that outlines:

• your training needs
• how and when your training will take place
• who will provide your training
• how your training will be assessed.

Read about getting started as a school-based apprentice or trainee.