Start your career with an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Ready to kick-start your career? Apprenticeships and traineeships let you earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and achieve a nationally recognised qualification, with Skillset supporting you every step of the way.
What are Apprenticeships & Traineeships?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you learn on the job while earning a wage. You’ll work with an employer, gain hands-on experience, and complete a nationally recognised qualification with support from Skillset.
School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBAT)
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) are more than just part-time jobs. They are a way for students to earn a wage, gain industry experience, and work towards a nationally recognised qualification while completing their HSC.
SBATs are available to Year 10, 11 and 12 students across Central West and Far West Orana regions of NSW.
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Enrolled Year 10 – 12 students
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School approval required
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An employer who will host you to complete your school-based apprenticeship or traineeship
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Commitment to work and study
Types of pathways you can start with
There’s no right way to start your career. Whether you want to earn while you learn, explore different options, or get a head start while still at school, Skillset offers multiple pathways to help you move forward with confidence.
Apprenticeships
Build your future with hands-on training in a skilled trade. Apprenticeships are the best pathway if you want to become a qualified tradesperson, think carpentry, electrical, automotive, plumbing, and more.
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Focus: Skilled trades
- Examples: Electrical, automotive, building, engineering
- Outcome: Qualify as a tradesperson – a skill for life
Traineeships
Step into a wide range of industries and get job-ready skills. Traineeships are perfect if you’re interested in fields like business, childcare, healthcare, IT, retail, or hospitality.
- Duration: 1–3 years
- Focus: Non-trade and service industries
- Examples: Business, agriculture, childcare, community services, retail, hair & beauty, finance
- Outcome: Industry-recognised qualification and job-ready skills
School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBATs)
Start your career while you’re still at school. SBATs let you combine your studies with paid work and nationally recognised training, so you can get ahead before finishing Year 12.
- Duration: 1–2 years (usually 1 day/week at work)
- Focus: Trades and service industries
- Examples: Automotive, engineering, business, childcare, hospitality, retail
- Outcome: A nationally recognised qualification and real-world experience that sets you up for full-time work after school
How Skillset supports you
Skillset is an award-winning Group Training Organisation (GTO) operating across regional NSW. We’ve helped thousands of people complete their apprenticeship or traineeship and launch successful careers.
When you train with Skillset, we’re your legal employer - and we’re with you every step of the way. Our job is to make sure you can focus on learning and working while we handle the rest. With an 81% completion rate, we know that matching the right person to the right business, and providing ongoing, dedicated support, makes all the difference.
Your own
Workforce Consultant
Someone you can contact anytime for support.
Regular mentoring and check-ins
Monthly support to keep you on track.
Training and study help
Guidance when you need it most.
Problem-solving support
Help managing challenges throughout your training.
Work, health & safety education
Because your safety matters.
Clear communication
Between you, your host employer, and your training provider.
Testimonials
“I am developing the confidence and necessary skills to achieve my ambitions and continue to improve. I’m excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to building a successful career in the engineering industry.”
“Skillset’s ongoing involvement and guidance have been instrumental in my growth. With regular visits from a Skillset consultant every six weeks, I have had a dedicated professional who has provided support, guidance, and advice throughout my apprenticeship journey. Their presence has been invaluable, allowing me to address any challenges, receive feedback, and stay on track with my goals.”
“Keep up the great work you are doing to support so many in their transition to a better life. Skillset’s new statement – ‘Enter Skillset and exit with a brighter future!’ Well done and thanks.”
“Completing the School-Based Traineeship gave me the confidence to apply for a Biomedical Science Degree. It was a great stepping stone toward my dream career in the medical industry."
“My son Riley and I met with Holly today to discuss training and employment opportunities. I was truly impressed by her professionalism and warm, approachable demeanour. Holly’s interviewing techniques were excellent; she made Riley feel at ease and created a comfortable environment where he could confidently answer questions without fear of saying the ‘wrong’ thing."
“The encouragement and support you give to our young people as they start out in life is nothing short of incredible.”
“I love coming to work each day. It’s been such a great experience.”
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