School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SAT)

A CQU TAFE Construction student learns the tools with his builder overseeing his work on a job. They are standing in a house under construction.
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SAT) present a unique opportunity for secondary school students in years 10, 11 and 12 to prepare themselves for a career of their choice. Enabling students to simultaneously receive a wage, work towards a nationally recognised qualification, and make progress towards achieving their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). A SAT aims to kick-start a student's career and progress a student’s learning in an environment that works alongside industry-related professionals to provide them with real-life work experience.

To undertake a SAT students must:

  • be 15 years old or older and in years 10, 11 or 12 at a registered Queensland High School. This includes students at state, catholic and independent schools, as well as distance education and home-schooled students.
  • Have support from their school.
  • Have permission from their parent or guardian, if under 18. Students living independently don’t need permission from parents or guardians.

Additional SAT entry conditions may apply to specific courses such as Electrotechnology. Visit the Queensland Governments' eligibility for more details.

Information to Get You Started

Eligible Students will be able to be funded for a maximum of one (1) School-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT) and must meet the following criteria:

  1. be enrolled in Year 10, 11, or 12 in a Queensland School, unless undertaking an electrotechnology school-based apprenticeship, in which case the student must be in Year 11 or 12;
  2. not be concurrently enrolled in any other Qualifications funded by the Department; and
  3. have entered into a training contract (training contract) for a Qualification that is funded by the Department and be registered on the Department's training database.

(b) Students can receive Funding for only one apprenticeship or traineeship at a time. If two training contracts are registered at the same time, the contract with the earliest start date will qualify for funding, provided all other eligibility requirements are met; and

(c) Meet any Qualification eligibility exemptions and/or restrictions as specified within the Queensland Subsidised Training List (QSTL) (where applicable).

Note: A student can only undertake two funded apprenticeship/traineeship qualifications across the suite of core programs—VETiS, Career Start, and Career Boost—within a 10-year period. A SAT uses one of these entitlements.

This funding is subject to change. Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training. To learn about Queensland Government funded programs, visit the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training website.

What SATs are Available at CQUniversity?

 

Students wishing to complete an Electrotechnology SAT must be in Years 11 and 12. For more information visit the Queensland Government Electrotechnology SAT requirements. 

  • TAFE student Levi Bellette in high-vis work-wear standing beside a heavy vehicle in a workshop.
    “
    One of the best things about studying at CQU is the teachers here, and there's a good culture and crowd of people you meet people from all over. I learn from my TAFE course and then I get to take it to work and apply that knowledge and help diagnose problems.

    Levi Bellette

    Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation, Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic

Frequently Asked Questions

A School-Based Apprenticeship (SAT) aims to kick start a student's career and progress a student’s learning in an environment that works alongside industry-related professionals to provide them with real-life work experience. Students will complete their apprenticeship alongside their secondary schooling giving students a head start in their career.

As a School Based Apprentice or Trainee, your wages typically differ from those of other apprentices and trainees. The compensation you receive is specified in the industrial award or agreement relevant to your employer's company.

The duration to finish a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship is generally twice as long as a full-time counterpart, as school-based apprentices and trainees engage in fewer working hours.

To start a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SAT), students require endorsement from their school; not all schools endorse such programs.

In cases where a school doesn't back a SAT, students might contemplate pursuing a part-time apprenticeship or traineeship alongside their schooling. Part-time apprenticeships and traineeships come with distinct prerequisites. Visit the Queensland Governments website for more information.

A School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship must be completed prior to students' High School graduation. It's advised that students wishing to start a SAT later must be aware that they will have a limited time frame to accomplish their apprenticeship or traineeship.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Find out key information you need for starting apprenticeship and traineeship training.

TAFE Subsidised Training

Reduce the fees you pay with government subsidised training, from free to low-fee TAFE course options.

Start TAFE Now (STN)

Start TAFE Now (STN) program offers High School Students from year 10 the opportunity to study a range of TAFE courses while still at school.