Start a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) can kick-start your career. Here's how to become a school-based apprentice or trainee.

Step 1. Choose the right school-based apprenticeship or traineeship for you

Talk to your school about available SATs that interest you.

Research career options

Unsure which SAT to choose? Think about your interests and discuss options with family, friends or school counsellors.

Find information on different career options:

• Research career advice and planning.
• Learn more about choosing an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Understand how SATs work

SATs let high school students in Years 10, 11 or 12 do an apprenticeship or traineeship qualification while studying for their Queensland Certificate of Education.

Learn more about how SATs work, including information about hours, wages, training and duration.

Check requirements

Check you meet all the specific requirements for a SAT, including:

• age limits
• paid work and minimum hours
• parental consent
• school support and timetables.

Learn more about eligibility and requirements.

Step 2. Find an employer for your SAT

Review our tips to help you find an employer for your school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

Step 3a. Choose your training partner – Apprentice Connect Australia Provider

You and your employer now need to choose an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider They will:

• sign you up as a school-based apprentice or trainee
• register the training contract
• be your primary contact after registration.

Choose your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.

Step 3b. Choose your training partner – training provider

Next, find a training provider. They will:

• develop your training plan
• deliver your training
• conduct your assessments.

Choose your training organisation.

Step 4. Sign a training contract

Now that you have chosen your SAT, employer and training partners, make it official. A training contract is a formal agreement between you and your employer. It includes:

• signatories (you, employer, parent/guardian)
• start date
• duration
• qualification details.

Learn how to register a training contract.

Step 5. Start probation

Probation lasts 90 days for apprenticeships and 30–90 days for traineeships. Use this time to see if the SAT is the right fit for you, and if you can work well with your employer.

Find out more about probationary periods.

Step 6. Get an induction

Your employer should give you a workplace induction early in your SAT. This should cover:

• an overview of the business
• your work
• workplace health and safety
• who to contact for help or support.

During the induction, you should also:

• tour the workplace
• meet your supervisor.

Learn what else should happen during your induction.