Want to get ahead of the pack? Here’s why a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship is a really smart move.

1. You are effectively in part-time employment and get to ‘earn while you learn’

A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship means that for approximate 7.5 hours a week, you are employed and at work. This is usually during the week in school hours and forms part of your school curriculum, although you may also do more hours over the school holidays or on weekends if that works for you and your employer. Even better, you get paid while undertaking your apprenticeship or traineeship, just like any other employee. What could you use that money for?

2. You get to trial an industry or career path

If you are considering a career path, a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship allows you to experience the industry and/or role that you are interested in. This will help you make up your mind while giving you a real taste of what it is like. Say you are interested in becoming a builder, a mechanic, a chef or a hairdresser – a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship can allow you to experience the industry, get some insights from your co-workers, supervisors and other contacts, and from there you can make an informed choice.

3. You get a head start into a career path

Before even leaving school, you are gaining work experience, making employer contacts, getting a reference to put on your resume (very important for future job hunting) and on your way to becoming qualified. What’s not to like? Even if you do decide to go to university or have a gap year after school, that work experience and reference will help you to gain future work to support yourself.  And if you do decide to continue in your apprenticeship or traineeship after leaving school (with your current or a new employer) you are employed and earning money straight away. That’s a really smart move!

4. It can open you to future career paths

With over 500 different qualifications under a traineeship or apprenticeship, there are so many opportunities and choices! For example, you could start a school-based apprenticeship as an electrician and then decide you want to become an electrical engineer. Or you start a traineeship in business administration and further down the track move your way into human resources or accounting. Your school based apprenticeship or traineeship may inspire you to go onto university or further education in that field. Many people who begin their careers through apprenticeships  also become highly successful business owners, working for themselves and making some serious ‘mullah’. Dare to dream and the possibilities are endless!

If you are considering a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship your best move is to talk to your school career advisor or a teacher. You can also search through school-based opportunities on the Apprenticeship Central website or even approach employers directly to ask if they would consider employing you under a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship – they may even be eligible for government funding to help with your wages.

Whichever way you look at it, undertaking a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship is a smart move to make and can set you up for success – before even leaving school.

Born and bred in Australia, yet proud of his multicultural background, Emmanuel is a Year 11 student who is now excelling in his schooling and career pathway, thanks to the assistance received from The BUSY Schools team at Salisbury.

Emmanuel sadly experienced bullying at his previous schools before coming to The BUSY Schools but has since made new friends and been well supported by his teachers and Rodney Florent, the campus’ Employment Pathways Officer.

“It was a bit weird at first calling our teachers by their first names, but it has been a much better experience and I am more focused now too,” said Emmanuel.

“I struggle studying by myself sometimes so appreciate the extra help I have received and the various opportunities that have been presented to me.”

Emmanuel recently completed one-week of work experience in the Electrical Engineering Department at Wave International where he was shown Engineering software to determine the electrical wiring and circuits of an office building. The work experience opportunity has now led to a school-based traineeship for Emmanuel. Under the traineeship, Emmanuel will work approximately one day per week for the company, with the added benefit of it forming part of his school curriculum at The BUSY Schools.

“It was a great working experience and an even better team environment. I really enjoyed doing something new and different, including my own project of creating the layout for the installation of lighting, power sockets and switches,” said Emmanuel.

Rodney said Emmanuel had trouble engaging in his schooling at first, but his confidence has skyrocketed since being in the workforce and he is walking a little bit taller.

“Wave International were struggling to get drafts people so they offered Emmanuel an opportunity to do a school-based traineeship following his work experience, where he would gain a Certificate III in Engineering. If he does well, then hopefully they will offer him a permanent position once he graduates.”

There are many industries that are desperate for qualified tradespeople and just can’t get them but if you take a chance on a school student, you get them from the ground up and are able to teach them the correct way of doing things because they often have no previous experience,” Rodney stated.

Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools, said, “The BUSY Schools encourages employers to provide students with the opportunity to experience a real working environment and learn the skills and knowledge that can only be taught in the workplace.”

It not only opens additional career pathways for the student, but most often than not, the business gains a brand-new employee who understands the work culture and can bring in new ideas. We really value the support of organisations such as Wave International who provide opportunities for our students.”

Emmanuel (middle) with Allan Aitkenhead (L) and Allan Quach (R) from Wave International.

Emmanuel enjoyed his one-week work experience at Wave International and has now started a school-based traineeship, which he hopes will lead to a fruitful career in Electrical Engineering.

For more information on BUSY Schools, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au

Having struggled at her previous school and ultimately disengaging from her senior education, Ninah decided to enrol at The BUSY Schools Salisbury campus after hearing about their more personalised approach. Since commencing at The BUSY Schools, Ninah has found she is coping better with the individualised support, smaller classroom environment and feels more comfortable to talk with staff who are supporting her unique needs.

“At BUSY Schools, there is a lot more personal interaction between students and our teachers, as opposed to a teacher standing in front of the board talking at you, not to you,” said Ninah.

Over the school holidays, Ninah completed one week of work experience in the Technical Department at education provider, SAE Creative Media Institute. At the Brisbane campus, she assisted various departments including film, audio, and animation where she gained valuable insight into the many facets of the creative arts.

“Having never worked before, it was really cool being able to go out to a workplace for an entire week and explore different types of equipment,” said Ninah.

“The staff there were super friendly as well which was really comforting, especially with those first day jitters.”

With a deep passion for music, Ninah would like to work in the music industry as a sound engineer and found the work experience at SAE a perfect fit as she was able to get hands on with the broad range of industry grade equipment at SAE’s state of the art facilities.

Employment Pathways Officer at BUSY Schools Salisbury, Rodney Florent, said that to assist Ninah, they will continue to research the various employment pathways into the creative arts and media industries.

“We are looking at hopefully getting Ninah to join Queensland Music Festivals on their tour throughout Central Queensland, but if not, then we will seek other opportunities within similar industries,” said Rodney.

“It is really great to get teens into work experience while they are still at school because it gives them the chance to learn what it means to work. With the added opportunity of a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, they get the added bonus of progressing their senior studies, gaining a qualification and gaining valuable work skills which can open up even more career opportunities for them.”

Dr Luke McMillan, General Manager for SAE said, “It was a pleasure to work with BUSY Schools, as we share a common set of values. SAE and BUSY schools understand the importance of diversifying our workforce, and giving a wide range of students access to higher education  – helping them succeed personally and professionally. SAE was delighted to support Ninah on her journey and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours”.

Lee Aitken, CEO for The BUSY Schools, said, “The BUSY Schools reengage students in their senior schooling whist preparing them for employment when they graduate. Through work experience, vocational training and the opportunities to undertake school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, students get real world experience and a head start in their careers”.

Ninah enjoyed her one-week work experience at SAE Institute and is now exploring a career pathway as a sound engineer.

For more information on BUSY Schools, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au