Years 10, 11 & 12
Queensland School Based Traineeships
Stay at school, get paid, and train for free
No student fees | Counts toward your QCE | RTO 41462
Nationally recognised training | Skills Assure Supplier | RTO 41462
What is a school based traineeship?
A School Based Traineeship, or SAT, lets you start working and training in a real job while you are still at high school. You stay enrolled at school, work paid hours for an employer, and complete a nationally recognised qualification with us at the same time.
You can start in Year 10, 11 or 12 with your school’s approval. Under Queensland Government Career Start funding, school based trainees pay no student contribution fees at all.
Earn while you Learn
Trainees get paid while gaining valuable skills and qualifications, combining work experience with formal training.
Government-Funded Training
Through the Queensland Government Career Start program, school based trainees do bot pay any fees towards the course cost.
Hands-On Industry Experience
Trainees develop real-world skills by working in a professional environment, increasing their employability.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Completing a traineeship can open doors to higher-level qualifications, promotions, and long-term career growth.
Nationally Recognised Qualification
Trainees earn a formal qualification that is recognised across Australia, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
Counts Toward Your QCE
A completed VET qualification can contribute credits toward your Queensland Certificate of Education, alongside your school subjects.
How it counts toward school
A school based traineeship is not something you do instead of finishing school — it counts toward your Queensland Certificate of Education.
20
Credits for a QCE
You need 20 credits to be awarded a QCE, with at least 12 from completed Core courses.
4
Credits from a VET course
A completed Certificate II contributes 4 credits toward your QCE. School based traineeships count as Core learning.
ATAR
Possible with Certificate III
One VET course at Certificate III or higher, combined with four General subjects, may also contribute to your ATAR.
Credit is determined by the QCAA and depends on completion and its new learning rules. Check with your school’s VET or careers coordinator for how it applies to you. Source: myQCE, Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
How to get started
Talk to your school
Speak to your VET or careers coordinator. You need your school’s approval, and they will help you fit the work days around your timetable.
Find an employer
A grooming salon, vet clinic, boarding kennel, pet retailer or animal shelter willing to take you on. Your school may already have contacts, and we can help too.
Sign the training contract
An Apprentice Connect Australia Provider registers the contract with the state, signed by you, your employer, your school and a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
Start earning and training
We build a training plan with you and your employer, and you begin your paid work and your qualification together.
How does a School Based Traineeship (SAT) work
A School Based Traineeship (SAT) works by combining three key elements — school, work, and formal training — into one coordinated learning pathway. Students remain enrolled in high school while working for an employer who provides paid, supervised on-the-job training. At the same time, the student completes nationally recognised training through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as the National Skills Training Institute. The RTO works closely with the employer, the student, and the school to develop a structured training plan that outlines what skills will be learned in the workplace and what will be taught through formal study.
The student’s school timetable is adjusted to accommodate their work and training commitments, often allowing one or two days per week for paid employment. The hours worked count toward completing the qualification, and the training contributes credits toward the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Throughout the traineeship, progress is monitored by the school and RTO to ensure the student is meeting learning outcomes and gaining valuable industry experience. Once the student completes school, they can continue the traineeship as a part-time or full-time arrangement until the qualification is achieved, giving them a strong foundation for future employment or further study.
Qualifications available
Two qualifications are available as Queensland school based traineeships, both free for eligible school students.
ACM20121 Certificate II Animal Care - School Based Traineeship (Qld)
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is the ideal entry point for anyone wanting to begin a rewarding career with animals. Delivered online with practical training and work placement, this course builds essential animal care and workplace skills while preparing you for roles in shelters, clinics, grooming, and more—or as a pathway to higher study.
Traineeship Details
- Duration: 1 Year (12 months)
- Delivery Mode: Blended (Online and Work Placement)
- Start Date: Enroll at any time
- Fees: Study FREE under the Qld Government Career Start funding for School Based Trainees
- Recognition: Nationally Recognised Qualification
Traineeship Overview
If you love working with animals and want to start a rewarding career in the animal care industry, the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is the perfect first step — and in Queensland, eligible high school students can complete this qualification as a School-Based Traineeship (SAT) with no student fees under Queensland Government funding.
As a school-based trainee, you’ll gain real industry experience working one day per week, or the equivalent of 375 hours (50 days) over each 12-month period, in an approved animal care workplace while continuing your high school studies. This gives you the opportunity to earn and learn — gaining nationally recognised skills that contribute towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) while building a foundation for your future career.
Delivered mostly online with structured workplace learning, this nationally recognised course develops your knowledge and skills in areas such as daily animal care routines, basic first aid, assisting with animal health care, and following ethical and humane handling practices. You’ll also build important employability skills, including communication, teamwork, workplace health and safety, and environmentally sustainable work practices.
Whether you’re completing the course as a school-based trainee or through a standard enrolment, this qualification provides the ideal starting point for a career in animal care and can lead to further study, including the Certificate III in Animal Care Services, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, or Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Traineeship Eligibility
- Be enrolled in Year 10, 11 or 12 at a registered Queensland school (or registered for home education).
- Be working towards Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or equivalent.
- Have the school’s support for the traineeship.
- Commit to the minimum paid work hours required as part of the traineeship.
- Parental consent if under 18.
Qualification Units
ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals
ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals
ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
Traineeship Work Commitments
You’re required to work a minimum of 7.5 hours per week, averaged over every three months, which equals at least 375 hours (or 50 days) per year. These work hours don’t include your study or training time with your training organisation. Your hours can be averaged throughout the year to allow for exam periods, holidays, or illness, and if you wish, you can work extra hours (such as on weekends or during school holidays) by agreement with your employer, parent or guardian, school, and training provider.
ACM30122 Certificate III Animal Care Services - School Based Traineeship (Qld)
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is the perfect step for anyone ready to advance their career working with animals. Delivered online with hands-on practical training, this nationally recognised course develops your professional skills in animal care, health, and welfare, preparing you for roles in veterinary clinics, grooming salons, shelters, and boarding facilities — or as a pathway to further study in specialised areas such as animal behaviour, training, or veterinary nursing.
Traineeship Details
- Duration: 2 Year (24 months)
- Delivery Mode: Blended (Online and Work Placement)
- Start Date: Enroll at any time
- Fees: Study FREE under the Qld Government Career Start funding for School Based Trainees
- Recognition: Nationally Recognised Qualification
Traineeship Overview
The ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services offers Queensland high school students an exciting opportunity to begin a rewarding career working with animals through a School-Based Traineeship (SAT). Under Queensland Government funding, eligible students can complete this nationally recognised qualification with no student fees, combining school, work, and training in one flexible program.
As a school-based trainee, you will gain valuable hands-on experience by working in the animal care industry one day each week, or the equivalent of 750 hours (100 days) over 2 years, while continuing your high school studies. This allows you to earn and learn at the same time, gaining practical industry experience and nationally recognised skills that contribute towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
The course is delivered through a combination of online theory learning and structured workplace training, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly in real animal care environments. Throughout your traineeship, you will develop skills in animal handling, feeding and hydration, health monitoring, and basic first aid. You will also learn to follow ethical and humane care practices, implement hygiene routines, and understand workplace health and safety requirements.
In addition to animal care knowledge, you will strengthen your professional skills in communication, teamwork, customer service, and sustainability — all essential for success in the animal care industry. By the end of the program, you will be confident and job-ready to work in a range of animal care settings, including pet shops, grooming salons, animal shelters, boarding kennels, catteries, sanctuaries, and veterinary practices.
Delivered by the National Skills Training Institute, this qualification provides a strong foundation for future study and career growth. Graduates can choose to continue their education in specialised areas such as veterinary nursing, animal behaviour and training, or pet grooming, opening the door to a wide range of career pathways within the animal care and management industry.
Traineeship Eligibility
- Be enrolled in Year 10, 11 or 12 at a registered Queensland school (or registered for home education).
- Be working towards Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or equivalent.
- Have the school’s support for the traineeship.
- Commit to the minimum paid work hours required as part of the traineeship.
- Parental consent if under 18.
Qualification Units
ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
ACMGEN303 Assess welfare status of an animal
ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing for self and others in animal care workplaces
ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
BSBCMM211 Apply Communication Skills
ACMGEN314 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
ACMGEN205 Source And Provide Information for animal care needs
BSBOPS304 Deliver and Monitor a Service to Customers
Traineeship Work Commitments
You’re required to work a minimum of 7.5 hours per week, averaged over every three months, which equals at least 750 hours (or 100 days) over 2 years. These work hours don’t include your study or training time with your training organisation. Your hours can be averaged throughout the year to allow for exam periods, holidays, or illness, and if you wish, you can work extra hours (such as on weekends or during school holidays) by agreement with your employer, parent or guardian, school, and training provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a school-based traineeship work ?
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) allow high school students (usually in Years 10, 11 or 12) to earn a wage, train towards a nationally recognised qualification and study towards their Queensland Certificate of Education at the same time. Use your SAT to kick-start your career and learn invaluable, real-life workplace skills and hands-on industry experience.
Do I get paid as a trainee ?
Yes, as a school-based trainee, you are entitled to be paid for the work you perform as part of your traineeship. The pay you receive will depend on factors such as the industry, your age, and the level of qualification you are undertaking. The pay rates for school-based trainees are typically based on the relevant modern award or enterprise agreement that covers the industry. It’s important to note that the pay rates may vary, so it’s recommended to consult with your employer or relevant authorities to understand the specific wage conditions and entitlements applicable to your traineeship.
How does training work ?
The National Skills Training Institute will work with you and your employer to develop a personalised training plan that outlines what you’ll learn, when your training will take place, and how it will be delivered. All theory training is completed online, while practical skills are developed and assessed in your workplace under supervision.
Depending on your traineeship and course, you may complete your online theory training during a spare period at school each week, and your practical training in the workplace, with a trainer from the National Skills Training Institute visiting regularly to observe, support, and assess your progress.
Do I need to pay any fees for a School based Traineeship ?
No. If you meet the Queensland Government eligibility criteria for a school-based traineeship, you won’t have to pay any student co-contribution fees — your training is fully funded. This means the cost of your nationally recognised qualification is covered by the government, so you can focus on learning and gaining hands-on experience.
What career or study pathways can I take after completing the Certificate III in Animal Care Services?
Many students go on to entry-level roles in the animal care industry, such as working in pet shops, grooming salons, animal shelters, boarding kennels, catteries, sanctuaries, or veterinary clinics. This qualification gives you the practical skills and industry experience to start your career in caring for and handling animals.
You can also continue your studies to advance your skills and career opportunities. Popular training pathways include the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, or the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, depending on your career goals. These higher-level qualifications can lead to specialised roles such as dog groomer, veterinary nurse, animal trainer, or animal welfare officer.
Enquire about a school based traineeship
Students, parents and school coordinators are all welcome to get in touch. Tell us a little and we will explain the next steps.