School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships
(SBAT)
NSW Smart and Skilled
SBAT Traineeships
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) in New South Wales (NSW) offer students a unique opportunity to commence their careers while completing their secondary education. These programs integrate part-time work with formal training, allowing students to gain practical experience and earn a wage, all while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
What is a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT)?
A School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) is a program in New South Wales (NSW) that allows high school students in Years 10, 11, or 12 to combine paid part-time employment, formal vocational training, and school education while completing their Higher School Certificate (HSC).
SBATs provide a structured pathway for students to start their career early by gaining real-world industry experience while still attending school. These programs help students develop valuable skills and qualifications that can lead to full-time employment, further education, or university pathways.
Who is eligible for a SBAT Traineeship ?
To be eligible for a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) in New South Wales (NSW), students must meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment Status: Students must be enrolled in Year 10, 11, or 12 at a NSW government or non-government school, or TAFE NSW, and be undertaking the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
- Minimum Age Requirement: The minimum year level to commence an SBAT is Year 10.
- Australian Residency: Nominees must be Australian citizens or permanent residents undertaking training in New South Wales.
- Training Contract: Students must enter into a formal training contract with an employer, which is registered with Training Services NSW.
- Program Commitment: Students must be prepared to balance their school studies with part-time paid employment and formal vocational training.
By meeting these eligibility criteria, students can embark on an SBAT, gaining valuable industry experience and qualifications while completing their secondary education.
What SBAT Traineeship Qualifications are offered at the National Skills Training Institute (Pet Stylist Academy)?
The Pet Stylist Academy offers the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care as part of the School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) program. This nationally recognised qualification provides students with foundational skills in animal care, handling, and welfare, making it an ideal starting point for those looking to build a career in the pet care or veterinary industries.
The ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is also a prerequisite for the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, the qualification required to become a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse in Australia. Completing this course through an SBAT pathway gives students a head start in their studies, allowing them to transition smoothly into further education and employment opportunities in veterinary clinics, pet grooming salons, and animal welfare organisations.
What are the cost of a SBAT Traineeship?
In New South Wales (NSW), students participating in School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) can benefit from the NSW Government’s Fee-Free Apprenticeships and Traineeships Initiative. This program covers the cost of the qualification, ensuring that eligible students and their employers are not required to pay training fees. To qualify, the SBAT must be funded under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program and have commenced on or after January 1, 2020.
Benefits of participating in an SBAT traineeship?
Early Career Development: Students gain practical workplace experience and develop industry-specific skills, enhancing their employability upon graduation.
Financial Independence: Participants earn a wage for their work, providing financial benefits while still in school.
Educational Advancement: Completing an SBAT contributes credits towards the HSC and may provide pathways to further education or full-time employment.
SBAT Traineeship in Animal Care – Study & Work Requirements
Study Requirements
✔ Qualification: ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
✔ HSC Contribution: 4 units over two years
✔ Training Delivery: Face-to-face, online, or blended learning
✔ Assessment Methods: Written tests, projects, practical exercises
Work Requirements
✔ Minimum Work Requirement: 100 days of paid employment over the SBAT program
✔ Work Hours: During school hours, after school, or during school holidays
✔ Workplaces: Pet shops, kennels, catteries, shelters, or veterinary clinics
✔ Skills Gained: Animal handling, feeding, hygiene, and routine care
This SBAT pathway provides students with practical industry experience while contributing to their HSC studies and future career in the animal care sector.
Locations
National Skills Training Institute (Pet Stylist Academy) offers SBAT traineeships across NSW. These include the following areas:
- Sydney
- Central Coast
- Hunter Valley
- Newcastle
- Illawarra
- Mid North Coast
- Illawarra
- Mid North Coast
- Murray
- New England and North West
- Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
- Richmond – Tweed
- Riverina
- Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven
A School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) is an incredible opportunity for students to gain practical experience, earn a wage, and achieve a nationally recognized qualification while completing their Higher School Certificate (HSC). It provides a head start in the workforce, offering valuable industry skills and opening doors to further study or full-time employment after school. If you’re passionate about working with animals and want to begin your career in animal care or veterinary nursing, enrolling in an SBAT with Pet Stylist Academy is the perfect way to combine hands-on training with your studies. Take the first step towards your dream career today – contact us to learn more or enrol!
- Earn While You Learn
- SBAT trainees receive a training wage while gaining hands-on experience in real workplaces.
- Nationally Recognised Qualification
- Completing an SBAT provides a Certificate II or III, which can lead to further education or employment.
- Work & Study Combined
- Students complete paid part-time work while studying for their HSC and a national qualification.
- Pathway to a Career
- SBATs provide industry skills, connections, and qualifications, giving students a head start in their chosen field. 🚀
- Flexible Work & Training
- SBATs are structured around school schedules, with work and training spread over school hours, after school, and holidays.