Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Scholarships

A school based apprenticeship or traineeship are great options for students to get a head start in their career and earn a wage while completing their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

What are Apprenticeships and Traineeships for school students?

Students can commence an apprenticeship or traineeship in years 10, 11 or 12+, combining senior secondary school with Vocational Education and Training (VET) and paid employment. They continue to attend school as required, participate in on-the-job training in the workplace and formal VET with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) under an arrangement known as a training contract.

Learning in school and attending work is balanced between the needs of the student, the employer and the school.

Definitions

Apprenticeship: a qualification for people in a traditional trade such as carpentry, plumbing, cooking or hairdressing. Apprenticeships are generally completed in 3 to 4 years. The probation period for an apprentice is generally 90 days. On completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice receives a trade certificate.

Traineeship: usually not in a trade, traineeships are used for a broader range of occupations including but not limited to; business, community health, childcare, financial services and IT. Traineeships are generally completed in 1 to 2 years. The probation period for a trainee is generally 60 days. On completion, the trainee receives a completion certificate.

School based training contract: apprenticeship or traineeship for school students combines schooling at the senior secondary level (years 10, 11 and 12, 12+) with training and employment through a part–time training contract with an employer.

School based apprenticeships and traineeships have 2 phases:
Year 10 to 11 (Stage 1): Students commence an apprenticeship/traineeship generally for 1-3 days per week to enable completion of compulsory SACE subjects.

Year 12 (Stage 2): Greater flexibility for students to continue their apprenticeship or traineeship up to 5 days per week whilst also completing compulsory SACE subjects.

Students can complete SACE while completing a near full time apprenticeship or traineeship during their final year of school by using VET to provide up to 150 of the 200 required SACE credits (can be 5 days if compulsory subjects are done and enough SACE credits attached). This may depend on the apprenticeship or traineeship being undertaken.

School Support

Many young people find the first year of an apprenticeship or traineeship can be challenging. School structures and networks help to support students to complete their SACE and make good progress through their apprenticeship or traineeship. This ensures they transition successfully from school into full-time employment. The types of support available include regular structured contact with the school, delivery of SACE subjects, mentoring support and monitoring their progress with the RTO and employer.