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How do I get a school-based apprenticeship?

Students can start Australian school-based traineeships and apprenticeships years 10, 11 or 12, where they will work one day a week while completing their studies.

As well as gaining valuable on-the-job experience, the apprentice or trainee will finish high school with a nationally recognised qualification, usually a Certificate II or III.

Is a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship Right for Me?

School-based qualifications can be a valuable head start in your future career, very often rolling over into a full-time apprenticeship or traineeship once school is over.

This will give you an advantage over other job seekers looking to start an apprenticeship as you’ve already got the basics down, and built a relationship with the employer.

Even if you choose not to continue onto a full-time apprenticeship or traineeship, you’ve still got that qualification and experience behind you which will stay with you for life.

If you want to complement your high school studies and get some real world experience, a school-based apprenticeship could be for you.

What Can I do School-based Work in?

A school-based qualification could be in Fabrication and Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, and Automotive trades, as well as Business Administration and related traineeships, amongst others. In Australia there are hundreds of apprenticeship and traineeship jobs that lead to a qualified occupation. 

You’ll attend the workplace once a week instead of going to school, and there will also be some TAFE work you’ll need to complete as well.

The best part is that you’ll be paid for the time you’re in the workplace!

How to Start a School-based Apprenticeship

1. Talk to your parent or guardian

Starting a school-based qualification is a significant commitment as it will take time away from school and your studies. If you’re thinking about pursuing one, talking to your parent or guardian about it would be the first step.

If you’re under the age of 18 (which is likely), you will need appropriate parental permission to start working as a school-based apprentice or trainee.

2. Talk to your school career counsellor or teacher

Your school may already have a relationship with apprenticeship specialists (such as MIGAS) that can help you into a school-based position.

If you enter a school-based qualification, it must be organised in agreement with your school and the business involved.

3. Contact a company like MIGAS

If your school doesn’t have an established school-based training program, you can apply directly with companies such as MIGAS for available positions and we’ll arrange things with your school for you.

Start by searching our jobs board for current positions.

4. Interview time

If you find a position you like, you’ll need to go through the normal job application process, including submitting a resume, interviewing with the employer and undergoing relevant aptitude testing. 

Be sure to check out our Apprenticeships Portal for trade information, and read about the types of roles in demand.

MIGAS has dedicated field officers and community liaisons visiting schools and career expos to promote trade and vocational pathways to students and job seekers.

If you want us to visit your school or would like more information, contact your local MIGAS office.

Keep an eye on our jobs board as positions are added all the time.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.