Student considerations

Before undertaking a School-based apprenticeship or traineeship, it is important the student considers the following:

• Do they have the support of their parents?
• Which qualification will they choose from?
• What day will they need to attend work and will this fit in with school?
• Do they have reliable transportation, to and from the workplace?
• Are they able to manage the workload of school, employment and off-the-job training?
  

Can a student undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship and still achieve an OP?

The answer is yes. Overall Positions (OPs) are determined by the results from a student’s top five authority subjects. Generally students undertake six subjects in Years 11 and 12. If they are wishing to undertake an Australian School-based apprenticeship or traineeship they have the ability to drop one subject, therefore allowing them to rearrange their curriculum in order to undertake the apprenticeship/traineeship.

Using a Group Training Organisation (GTO)

Using a GTO provides an attractive alternative to standard employment. GTOs:

• employ the student directly and provide them with a safety net by finding and placing them with a suitable host employer throughout the apprenticeship/traineeship
• provide a high level of support by monitoring the student in the workplace to ensure they are provided with the skills and knowledge to complete their qualification

Students wishing to register with a GTO will usually need to:

• submit a resume and covering letter
• undertake a general knowledge test
• attend an interview.
  

How your school can assist your students

Most schools encourage students to obtain industry experience through Vocational Education and Training (VET), as it provides valuable hands on skills and experience, making them more employable after they complete their schooling.

Most schools offer support and assistance by:

• revising the student's curriculum
• ensuring the student receives the necessary industry skills and training requirements
• structuring the students work placement to ensure they receive at least 48 days paid work per year.

Contact QAS

Click here if you would like to organise for a consultant to visit your school and speak to your students.

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