No matter what industry you are in, a school-based apprentice or trainee can be rewarding and provide some real benefits to your business.
There may also be financial benefits available from government agencies to help with the costs of employing a school-based apprentice or trainee. Find out more about costs and incentives.
Employing a school-based apprentice or trainee
There are specific requirements that apply to school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) that must be adhered to. Visit the Queensland Government Apprenticeship Information site for the steps to take when hiring a school-based apprentice or trainee.
Periods of employment must never fall below the minimum number of hours per 12 months. School-based apprentices and trainees require a minimum of 375 hours (50 days) of paid employment. For training contracts in electrotechnology, a minimum of 600 hours (80 days) of paid employment must be provided. It is expected the employer will provide a minimum of 7.5 hours per week averaged over a three month period.
School Approval
The school must give approval for the SAT. Negotiations need to be between the student, parent/guardian, employer and school to ensure that the SAT forms an appropriate component of an overall school program. The signing of the training contract must not be done without the school’s consent.
The SAT must impact on the school’s timetable, meaning that some of the training and/or work must take place during school hours. The student, parent/guardian, employer, school, and training organisation will negotiate a schedule showing the work and training aspects of the SAT.
Off-the-job training limits may apply to school-based apprentices (not trainees) while still at school (based on the nominal term of a full-time apprenticeship).
For more information on these requirements, visit:
Training tips
School-based apprentices and trainees can strengthen your business by training people in skills that meet the needs of the business while helping build the broader skills base needed to keep an industry strong.
Ensuring your apprentice or trainee gets the best out of their training will result in a successful apprenticeship or traineeship.
