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.

Two Year 12 students at BUSY Schools Cairns, Kais and Jacob, are undertaking work experience as Diesel Mechanics at Kinetic Fleet Services who own Sunbus Depot and Love’s Buses in Smithfield.

Both students are really enjoying getting their hands dirty and are hoping to gain a school-based apprenticeship from the work experience opportunity. One of the students, Kais is feeling optimistic about pursuing this as a career, having never considered becoming a Diesel Mechanic until a few months ago.

Kais grew up in Torres Strait and Thursday Island and his earlier schooling was done via remote learning. He was taught only one topic per term and after hearing about BUSY Schools when he first moved to Cairns, he was really excited to attend a campus with a broader curriculum and support of employment pathways.

“I realised the program was a great fit for me as an individual and although going from learning one topic per term to learning ten topics per term was a big adjustment, the support I received from my teachers, where they go out of their way to assist me, was extremely helpful,” said Kais.

Employment Pathways Officer at BUSY Schools Cairns, Amba Tipton, stated, “At BUSY Schools we take the opportunity to get to know the students and treat them as equals.

This not only makes them feel more comfortable in the classroom, but it also allows us to gain a better understanding of their attitudes, learning abilities and appropriate career choices. This helps with our individualised approach to teaching and learning and support towards employment opportunities.”

Jacob came from a different educational experience and struggled at his last school, he didn’t enjoy the schooling and found it difficult to pay attention in class. He now appreciates the non-traditional school setting BUSY Schools offers and the assistance he gets from his teachers.

“I’ve found I am understanding the schoolwork a lot better because my teachers are explaining it to me in a way that helps me comprehend it easier,” said Jacob.

Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools said, “BUSY Schools is focused on the individual student, their strengths and career aspirations. Students get to explore pathways through work experience and vocational education alongside their school curriculum.  It’s great to see students like Jacob and Kai completely change the way they view their schoolwork and their future.”

BUSY Schools Cairns students, Jacob (L) and Kai (R), had the opportunity to undertake work experience in Diesel Mechanics trade with Kinetic Fleet Services.

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

The BUSY Schools Shailer Park campus opened at the beginning of this year with the very first intake of students for Year 11 Term 1. Since then it has been full steam ahead with many students undertaking a range of work experience activities and exploring different career pathways, all while undertaking their schooling.

One of the students, Calleb Heron, has already started a school-based traineeship, getting a head start into a career path while still at school. Calleb was recently signed into the traineeship by BUSY At Work, an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider, and, like BUSY Schools, a part of The BUSY Group.

While undertaking his school-based traineeship, Calleb spends one day a week at his new workplace, automotive service company, Millard Tyre and Service Centre. He benefits through learning on the job skills while studying to complete a Certificate II in Automotive Tyre Servicing Technology.

As for all school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, this one day a week at work becomes part of Calleb’s school curriculum and contributes to his Queensland Certificate of Education.

Despite this being his first job, Calleb has proven to be a tenacious and dedicated employee, never missing a day and taking himself to work each week via public transport, which includes both a bus and a train trip to get there.

Calleb’s supervisor at Millards, Jess Lee, stated, “Calleb has proven himself during his time here and displays a great level of maturity, sometimes staying back after finishing time”.

Calleb, who has always been interested in cars, has stated he stays back at times because he is enjoying the work so much.

“For young people in their senior schooling, working out what you want to do after school can be daunting. BUSY Schools support all students to find their ‘niche’ based on their strengths and what they like doing.

“Calleb seems to thrive in a hands-on learning environment and thanks to the traineeship, he’ll have a head start in his chosen industry including contacts, references and most importantly the skills and experience”, CEO for BUSY Schools, Lee Aitken stated.

Calleb is starting a traineeship while still at school which will give him a great start to a career in automotive services.

Enrolments are still available for the Shailer Park and Cairns campuses, in time for Term 2.

BUSY Schools is also opening a new school for the Brisbane region, in Salisbury, ready for Term 2, and enrolments are being taken now.

To enquire, or for more information regarding BUSY Schools visit www.busyschools.qld.edu.au or
contact 1300 176 472 or email admin@busyschools.com.au

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

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