What is an Australian School-based Apprenticeship?

An Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) combines academic, vocational and technical education and training, with paid employment. It essentially gives secondary school students a head-start on their career path, with one full year of the apprenticeship and two of the three years of trade training already completed by the end of Year 12.

By offering this mix of school studies, training and work, each student:
		works towards completing their Year 12 certificate;
		has the option to complete prerequisite subjects for further study;
		gains practical experience of what they are studying;
		participates in a combination of school, paid work and on- and off-site training;
		starts an apprenticeship while still at school, and
		establishes an important link to the working world.

After completing Year 12, the ASbA becomes full-time for the next three years. The advantages include second year salary rates in the first year as a full-time apprentice and only one year of trade training required after Year 12.