NSW School Based Traineeships
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.
What is a School Based Traineeship (SBAT) ?
A NSW School-Based Traineeship (SBT) under the NSW Smart and Skilled program is a training pathway that enables high school students, typically in Years 10, 11 or 12, to start working and training in a real job while completing their secondary studies. It combines paid employment, nationally recognised vocational training, and school education, giving students the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in their chosen industry. Students are employed under a formal training contract with an approved employer and undertake structured training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The skills and knowledge gained contribute towards a nationally recognised qualification and count towards the student’s Higher School Certificate (HSC).
A NSW school-based traineeship allows students to “earn while they learn” and build a strong foundation for their future career. It helps students develop confidence, employability skills, and industry experience while gaining a qualification that enhances their job prospects after school. Many students choose to continue their traineeship once they complete Year 12, transitioning into full-time or part-time employment. This pathway provides an excellent opportunity for young people to explore their career interests, gain valuable work experience, and create a smooth transition from school to further education or the workforce.
How does a School Based Traineeship (SAT) work
A School Based Traineeship (SBAT) under the NSW Smart and Skilled program combines three key elements — school, work, and formal vocational 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 in their chosen industry. At the same time, the student undertakes nationally recognised training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as the National Skills Training Institute. The RTO collaborates with the employer, school, and student to create a structured training plan that outlines the specific skills and knowledge to be developed both in the workplace and through formal study.
The student’s school timetable is adjusted to allow time for work and training, with most students working one or two days per week as part of their traineeship. The time spent in the workplace contributes to completing the qualification, and the training units studied through the RTO count toward the student’s Higher School Certificate (HSC). Throughout the traineeship, the student’s progress is regularly monitored by the school and RTO to ensure they are meeting learning outcomes and developing valuable industry experience. After finishing school, the student can choose to continue their traineeship on a part-time or full-time basis until they complete the qualification, providing a strong pathway into further study or meaningful employment.
ACM20121 Certificate II Animal Care - School Based Traineeship (NSW)
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: 2 Year (24 months)
- Delivery Mode: Blended (Online and Work Placement)
- Start Date: Enroll at any time
- Fees: Study free under NSW Smart and Skilled SBAT program
- 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 New South Wales, eligible high school students can complete this qualification as a School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) with no student fees under NSW Smart and Skilled Government funding.
As a school-based trainee, you’ll gain real industry experience working one day per week, or the equivalent of 100 days over a two (2) year 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 Higher School Certificate (HSC) 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 NSW school
- Be working towards Higher School Certificate (HSC)
- 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 100 days across 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 (SBATs) 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 Higher School Certificate (HSC) at the same time. Use your SBAT 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 NSW Government Smart and Skilled 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.