School Based Apprenticeships

What are Part-Time School Based Apprenticeships?

School Based Apprenticeships (SBAs) have been an option for Mount Clear College students for over five years. It is a fulltime program that integrates education, training and employment and is an opportunity for students to study at school whilst at the same time undertaking government approved and accredited training qualifications as a paid employee. The student enrols in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the Victorian Certificate in Applied Learning (VCE-VM), undertakes paid employment and completes on-and/or off-the-job training.

SBAs are suited to students who:

  • are thinking of obtaining an apprenticeship or traineeship upon completion of secondary school;
  • would like to gain an industry qualification as well as their VCE;
  • want to keep their options open – broadens pathway choices after completing Year 12;
  • want to combine paid work, learning and training in a specific industry (Vocational Education & Training Certificate Program) at the same time;
  • want the opportunity to gain two separate nationally recognised certificates at the same time: their industry certificate and VCE.

How long does it take?

There are a number of options for the student:

  • working or completing training two days per week and attending school three days per week;
  • working one day per week, one day each weekend and attending school four days per week;
  • completing over two years with an average of 15 hours work and training per week (this is averaged over the term including weekends, school holidays and after school).

Steps involved in the program are:

  1. the student gains employment as an apprentice or trainee in their chosen industry;
  2. employment and training contracts are signed and registered with an Australian Apprenticeship Centre;
  3. a Training Plan is developed for the student which incorporates industry training, school and work commitments;
  4. the program and results of the student’s industry training are entered on the VCAA database;
  5. the units of competence completed during training are credited to the student’s VCE Certificate.