We are providing more support than ever before for School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs). Each school cluster will have a dedicated SBAT mentor who will provide tailored support for the student undertaking an SBAT, and will liaise between the schools and employers to make the process as easy as possible.

Now the option to start an SBAT is open to students starting Year 12 – not just students starting Year 11 – making this pathway more accessible than ever before.

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are more than just part-time jobs - they’re a great way to set students up for the career they want while completing the HSC.

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are available to all Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students in NSW. They allow students to commence an apprenticeship or complete a traineeship while at school.

A School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship combines paid work, training and school; and as well as gaining an industry recognised national qualification and credit towards the HSC.

Some apprenticeships and traineeships can contribute towards the ATAR.

Find out more

Meet the EPPP SBAT Mentors

Toni Bellos – Ballina

Most recently Employment Services Manager with TAFE NSW on the Smart, Skilled & Hired Youth Employment Program, Toni has extensive experience in employment and recruitment roles including a management position with a Group Training Organisation.

Toni is extremely passionate about creating employment opportunities for young people and believes understanding a young person's interests and career goals, as well as listening to employer needs, is key to successful outcomes.

Stephen Montgomery – Grafton

Steve was recently Pathways Officer for RDA Mid North Coast and Industry Liaison for the STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) Program, facilitating partnerships with industry, tertiary and local government.

Steve has multiple years’ experience in regional development, careers, work placement, student transition and industry partnerships.

Suzanne Taylor – South-western Sydney

Suzanne brings 10 years’ experience in the NSW SBAT program. Most recently she was employed as a SBAT Officer in the Ultimo School Services Directorate, providing support for 54 South-west Sydney government schools.

Suzanne is a passionate advocate for positive employment outcomes for young people.

Fiona McKinnon – South-western Sydney

Fiona was most recently an Employment and Career Partner with a Group Training Organisation providing comprehensive pastoral care and support for Apprentices and Trainees. Fiona has a proven ability to broker job opportunities in south-west Sydney.

Fiona was previously a Community Engagement Officer at Sarah Redfern High School where she combined her passion for education and community to develop partnerships between school, local business and wider community to provide opportunities for students.