School-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program
What is a school-based traineeship and apprenticeship?
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships allow students to study towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (Senior Certificate or equivalent), whilst at the same time undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships allow students, typically in Years 10, 11 and 12 to continue studying at school while training towards a qualification in their chosen career. This training may occur at work, school, or with a training organisation.
What is the difference between an apprentice and a trainee?
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training with working in a real job, for a real boss, with a real wage.
There are two main differences between an apprentice and a trainee. An apprentice is trained in a skilled trade and upon successful completion will become a qualified tradesperson. Trades such as electrical, plumbing, cabinet-making and automotive mechanics are just a few that are a part of the apprenticeship scheme.
A trainee is someone who is being trained in a vocational area. These vocational areas include, but are not limited to, office administration, information technology and hospitality. Upon completion of a traineeship you will be eligible to receive a minimum of a certificate II in your chosen vocational area.
A school-based apprentice is trained in a skilled trade, and upon successful completion, will become a qualified tradesperson. Students may convert to a full-time or part-time apprenticeship when they finish school to allow them to complete the qualification.
Upon completion of a school-based traineeship, students will receive a minimum of a Certificate II in their chosen vocational area.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships aims to:
- provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in relation to actual employment situations 
- allow students to start, and in some cases complete a vocational qualification while still at school 
- improve post-schooling employment and training opportunities for students 
- improve links between education and industry, the school and local community. 
Benefits to students
- Start and in some cases, complete a qualification while completing their QCE.  
- Provide a structured and accelerated pathway between school to related employment and training options.  
- Make a planned and effective transition from school to work, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the workplace on entry.  
- Receive income for work performed in the workplace.  
- Develop learning skills and attitudes relevant to the world of work, which in turn improves employment prospects.  
- Gain first hand experience in industry areas of interest.  
- Gain confidence, self-esteem and improved communication skills in an adult learning environment.  
Benefits to employers
- Meeting staffing needs.  
- Gain good recognition as good corporate citizens that support the school education and social development of young people.  
- Develop links with the education sector.  
- Have a say in the type of training provided to the student.  
- Reduce recruitment costs.  
- Mould the student/employee to the culture and operations of the business.  
- Contribute to the skills pool within the labour market.  
- Develop skills in employees who supervise students in the workplace.  
Important information
For a school-based arrangement to be created, students must have the support of their employer, their school, a training organisation, and their parent/guardian. The employment and/or training arrangements must impact on the student's school timetable for the program to be considered school-based.  Students are paid for their time in the workplace. It is recommended that a student attends school four days a week and works one day per week with their school-based employer.
For more information contact:
Chase Osland
HOD of Pathways & Partnerships
or check out our Careers Website @ www.blackwaterstatehighcareers.com