School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

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School-based apprentices and trainees (SATs) provide students in Years 10, 11 and 12 with employment-based training while continuing full-time enrolment in a school program and study towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA). A SAT is negotiated with the assistance of an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) between the student, parent/carer (if the student is under 18 years), employer, supervising registered training organisation (SRTO) and school to ensure it provides a genuine school-based learning opportunity and forms an appropriate component of an overall school program.

Advantages of SATs

SATs allow more flexibility and variety for young people who prefer hands-on learning to traditional schooling pathways

Young people employed as SATs develop workplace skills, knowledge, confidence and a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

All SATs participate in vocational training that contributes to a Certificate II or III qualification that are recognised nationally and are recorded as part of the QCE.

SATs are paid while they learn workplace skills, gain confidence and adapt to a work environment

Requirements to be met for a SATs

Apprentice or trainee must be enrolled at, and attending, a registered government school or an accredited non-government school or be registered with the Home Education Unit of the Department of Education.

They must be enrolled Years 10, 11 or 12 and progressing towards the attainment of a QCE or equivalent (this is a Year level requirement, not age specific).

For applicants in the electrotechnology industry, specific requirements apply; only students in years 11 or 12 are eligible to be signed with a Year 10 achieved a pass result (semesters 1 & 2 completed) in English, Maths and Science.

There must be a training contract which links to an industrial instrument — such as an industrial award or agreement — signed by the employer and apprentice or trainee.

Student school timetable or curriculum reflects a combination of school studies, paid work, training in an apprenticeship or traineeship occupation, and endorsed by the school. There must be an impact to school timetable.

The school’s support of the SAT arrangement is required. The school may withhold support if they consider the SAT arrangement is inappropriate for the student if SAT does not provide a genuine school-based learning opportunity.

The employer, apprentice or trainee and parent must commit to the minimum paid work requirement 375 hours (50 days) per 12-month period, and completion of relevant employment-based theory training from commencement of the training contract. For training contracts in Electrotechnology, a minimum of 600 hours (80 days) of paid employment must be provided each 12 months.

If an intending apprentice or trainee is under 18 years of age, the consent of a parent/guardian is required

School-based apprenticeships cannot be completed while at school. When signing up to a SAT arrangement, the parties undertake to convert to full-time or part-time training arrangements if the SAT has not been completed when the apprentice or trainee leaves school.

Funding

The Queensland Government, Department of Trade Employment and Training (DTET) provide public funding for the delivery of training by a registered training organisation to eligible school-based apprentices and trainees. A School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SAT) is employment-based training declared to be an apprenticeship or traineeship under the Further Education and Training Act 2014.

From 1 July 2025, the User Choice funding model has transitioned into 3 targeted programs, with funding for apprenticeship and traineeship training now allocated across these programs. These changes are part of a broader strategy to better align training investment with Queensland's future workforce needs, supporting lifelong learning and improved outcomes for learners and industry alike.

VET in Schools 2026 - Students in Years 10 to 12 will be able to access funded training for a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

Career Start – (post school commencement) - Supports school leavers and job seekers with access to reduced-fee training in areas aligned with job opportunities and industry demand. Includes funding for apprenticeship and traineeship training in priority and emerging industries.

Career Boost – (post school commencement) - Offers workers access to reduced-cost, higher-level training to advance their careers. Includes funding for apprenticeship and traineeship training in priority and emerging industries. Apprenticeship and traineeship funding is available only if the individual hasn't already accessed their quota of 2 funded apprenticeships/traineeships under VETiS 2026 and Career Start.

Eligibility:
1. From 1 July 2025, individuals will be eligible for a maximum of 2 subsidised apprenticeship/traineeship places across the 3 funded programs.

2. Certificate qualifications completed more than 10 years ago won't prevent access to funded training.

3. Government funded qualifications can only be completed concurrently, meaning one after the other.

To enquire further please contact Linda Whyte, Industry Liaison Officer – lwhyt15@eq.edu.au

For more information: https://training.qld.gov.au/apprenticeshipsinfo

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