School-based apprentices and trainees (SATs), typically for students in years 10, 11 and 12 are trained in the workplace and with a supervising registered training organisation (SRTO), in their chosen apprenticeship or traineeship while continuing to study towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
SATs are not automatic for all who want them - it is a competitive market and students will need to ensure that their school performance positions them to be selected. Students can enrol in a Certificate III study program as a trainee or apprentice in an area of interest to them. This involves attending 1 day of work per week and completing the appropriate training, usually Certificate III level, in most areas of employment.
The length of training may vary depending on the qualification, where most traineeships may be completed within 1-2 years, an apprenticeship will most likely continue beyond Year 12.