School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBAT)
Unlock potential for both employers and students with the School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBAT) program.
SBAT Etudent EOI Form
Hastings Secondary College students can register their interest for an SBAT by completing the Expression of Interest Form (EOI) Form.
SBAT Employer EOI Form
Businesses and organisations can express interest in taking on a part time apprentice or trainee with Hastings Secondary College.
Pat Preston - College School based Apprenticeship and Traineeships Officer
Email - pat.preston1@det.nsw.edu.au
SBAT information for students
Students at Hastings Secondary College can undertake a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT). An SBAT can help students get a headstart in their careers by combining paid work, training and school.
SBAT students earn an industry recognised national qualification and unit credits toward their HSC.
Undertaking an SBAT in Year 10 or Year 11 and is an appropriate step towards vocational education and training (VET) or univserty post school pathways.
Learn to Work
For students, a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) is a head start to your career combining paid work, training and school. Not only will you get an industry recognised national qualification, but also unit credit towards your NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC).
You can start an SBAT in Year 10 or Year 11 and some training arrangements can contribute towards your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). No matter if you are on a pathway to higher Vocational Education and Training or University post-school, there is an SBAT for you.
Where do I start?
- Research interesting occupation(s) using sites such as My Future or Smart and Skilled Job Guides to find out where they can take you in the future.
- Talk about your career ideas with your school Careers Adviser and parents/carers.
- Discuss with your Careers Adviser how an SBAT will fit into your HSC pattern of study. Ask about Industry Based Learning as a subject option.
- Find an employer.
- Your local SBAT Officer and/or school will help you on your way.
Things to consider
Students who take on a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship are motivated young people who don’t just want to plan their future career, they want to experience it now. It’s very important that you think about how you can manage your SBAT by considering:
- Is this a career I’m interested in?
- Can I handle school, work and training along with family and community commitments?
- Do I have a support network around me to help along the way? Teachers, careers adviser, transition advisor, parents/carers, friends, mentors etc.
- Can I make travel arrangements to get myself to work and training on time?
If you answered YES to the questions above, an SBAT may be a great option for you.
Check out the SkillsOne videos highlighting the School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships Program in NSW.
Hastings Secondary College students can register their interest for an SbAT by completing the Expression of Interest Form (EOI) form. To access the EOI form, simply scan the QR code or follow this link: SBAT Student EOI Form
SBAT information for employers
Future proof your business with School Based Apprentices and Trainees (SBATs)
Unlock potential for both employers and students with the School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) program.
Benefits of employing an SBAT
When you hire an SBAT, you have the opportunity to shape your workforce's future while actively contributing to it. Students gain hands-on experience, industry-recognised qualifications, and can receive credits towards their HSC, while your business benefits from their fresh perspectives and eager contributions.
SBATs aren't just filling part-time roles; they represent the young talent supported to become skilled workers, driving your industry and business towards excellence. Partnering with our SBAT program grants you access to a pool of motivated learners ready to make a difference in your organisation.
Here's what partnering with the SBAT program offers:
- Direct access to motivated students.
- Promotion of SBAT vacancies directly to students who fit your business needs.
- Ongoing support from dedicated SBAT Engagement Officers.
- A commitment to ensuring your involvement's success.
Interested in employing an SBAT?
If you are interested to know more, or ready to take the next steps, complete our EOI form, and our dedicated team will reach out to discuss how SBATs can support you and your business. To access the EOI form, simply scan the QR code or follow this link: SBAT Employer EOI Form.
Want to know more?
Learn more about the Enhancing SBAT Engagement initiative, part of the Educational Pathways Program, and how it can support you.
Learn more about SBATs in NSW.
The WINGS Mentoring Program, a Regional Industry Education Partnership (RIEP) initiative, provides senior students at Hastings Secondary College with the opportunity to connect with experienced industry mentors and explore future career pathways. Through five mentoring sessions and two weeks of hands-on work experience, students build confidence, develop employability skills, and gain valuable real-world insight into their chosen industries. The program has already led to strong outcomes, including students securing School Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships and forming ongoing industry connections. We are proud of the professionalism and growth shown by all participants and grateful to our industry partners for their support. For more information about the WINGS Mentoring Program, please contact Pat Preston.
SBAT Success Story – Bana Lavine
Year 11 student Bana Lavine has turned his passion for barbering into a School Based Apprenticeship with Barbers on Murray. After developing his skills by cutting friends’ hair and proactively approaching local barbers, Bana impressed the team during a holiday work trial and was offered an SBAT. His confidence, professionalism, maturity, and genuine enthusiasm set him apart and earned him a place in the industry.
For more information about SBAT opportunities, contact Pat Preston.
SBAT Success Story – Reiley Wheeler
Year 12 student Reiley Wheeler has successfully completed his School Based Traineeship with McDonald’s Port Macquarie, achieving a Certificate III in Retail. Reiley began his SBAT in Year 10 and, through strong commitment and a positive work ethic, completed the qualification early at the end of Year 11. His achievement is a great example of how dedication and balance between school and work can lead to success.
For more information about SBAT opportunities, contact Pat Preston.
SBAT Success Story – Bella Gilson-James
Year 10 student Bella Gilson-James has successfully converted her casual job at Priceline Pharmacy into a School Based Traineeship, where she will complete a Certificate II in Community Pharmacy. By securing her SBAT early, Bella has shown great initiative and set herself up with valuable industry experience, guaranteed part-time hours, and a strong foundation as she moves into her senior years.
For more information about SBAT opportunities, contact Pat Preston.
SBAT Success Story – Charlie Arnold
Year 10 student Charlie Arnold has begun an early-commencement School Based Apprenticeship in Certificate III Electrotechnology with Ben Grills Electrical. Already attending on-the-job training in the second half of Year 10, Charlie is gaining valuable industry experience and a strong head start as he moves into senior school, where he will complete Stage 1 of his apprenticeship. We thank Ben Grills Electrical for supporting Charlie and providing meaningful opportunities for our students.
For more information about SBAT opportunities, contact Pat Preston.
SBAT Success Story – Cooper Lambert
Year 10 student Cooper Lambert has secured a School Based Traineeship with Actrol Port Macquarie, part of the Reece Group. Following a competitive selection process, Cooper stood out for his commitment, reliability, and strong work ethic. He will complete a Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations while continuing his senior studies, gaining hands-on experience in warehousing, logistics, and customer service. This opportunity provides Cooper with a strong pathway into the refrigeration and air-conditioning supply industry.
For more information about SBAT opportunities, contact Pat Preston.
SBAT Success Story – Jesse Steinhour
Jesse Steinhour has successfully transitioned from a School Based Apprenticeship into a full-time Mechanical Apprenticeship with Fernhill Mechanical Service and Repair. Starting as an SBAT allowed Jesse to begin his apprenticeship while still at school, gain real industry experience, and build confidence in his chosen career. His move into full-time employment highlights the strength and flexibility of SBAT pathways and the valuable opportunities they provide for students.
For more information about SBAT opportunities, contact Pat Preston.
SBAT Success Story – Madison Thomas
Year 12 student Madison Thomas has successfully completed her School Based Traineeship in Commercial Cookery, achieving early sign-off for her Certificate II qualification. Completing her training with the team at Settlers Inn, Madison gained valuable experience in a professional kitchen and received excellent feedback for her commitment and positive attitude. Alongside finishing her SBAT, Madison has also completed Year 12 and will receive her HSC, highlighting her dedication to both school and industry training.
For more information about SBAT opportunities, contact Pat Preston.
SBAT Success Story – Ellyse
Ellyse has secured a School Based Apprenticeship with Rydges Port Macquarie after being selected for the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program. Through her participation, including multiple sessions and two weeks of work experience, Ellyse impressed industry mentors and the Rydges team with her dedication and work ethic. She will complete her first year of the apprenticeship while still at school before transitioning to full-time employment after Year 12.
For more information about SBAT opportunities, contact Pat Preston.
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