CAREER DEVELOPMENT

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships explained

SBATs let high school students combine school, paid work, and vocational training. Students can start in Year 10, 11, or 12 and split their time between schoolwork, formal training, and part-time employment. 

They’re ideal for students who:

• Learn best by doing
• Want a head start in your career
• Prefer practical skills over university right away

How it works

• Usually takes 1–4 years, depending on the qualification and work hours
• May need to continue training after school to finish
• Requires balancing school, training, and work commitments

 What you gain

By Year 12, students could have:

• Their high school certificate
• A nationally recognised qualification
• Paid industry experience and mentors
• Skills, contacts, and sometimes a full-time job offer 

Eligibility

Student must:

• Be 15 or older and enrolled full-time at school
• Have parental permission (if under 18)
• Gain school approval and an employer

Who’s involved

• Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP): helps set up your training contract and support
• Employer: provides paid work and on-the-job training
• Registered Training Organisation (RTO): delivers your formal study (TAFE, uni, or school)
• School & Parents: support your timetable and commitments
• Student: commit to school, training, and work

Getting started

1. Research industries and careers
2. Talk to our VET Coordinator, Mr Kyle, or our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Tebble
3. Connect with employers for work experience

SBATs have been around since 1996 and are often fully government-funded, making them accessible for most students. They’re a proven pathway to practical skills, qualifications, and future careers.

The Ville 2026 School-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Intake program

The Ville Resort Casino is excited to open their 2026 school-based traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities early to capture passionate individuals who want to kick start their careers in hospitality earlier. Their goal is to help individuals develop valuable skills, gain hands-on experience, and grow with the largest private hospitality employer in the region in shaping the future of hospitality in North Queensland.

Available Traineeships in 2026 are:

• 3 x Food and Beverage positions - Certificate III in Hospitality
• 1 x Hotel Reception position - Certificate III in Business

Available Apprenticeships in 2026 are:

• 2-3 Chef apprenticeship positions - Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Key Recruitment dates:

Applications open: Monday 29 September

Applications close: Monday 10 November

Candidate shortlisting: 11-14 November (all students will hear from us during this time - successful students will progress to interview stage

Interview evening for shortlisted candidates: 17 or 18 October

Program start date (and Induction): Monday 1 December 2025

Our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Tebble will be attending an online Teams information session (for school career advisors) next week on Tuesday 16 September, from 3.30pm - 4.15pm. Interested students are welcome to join Miss Tebble in the School boardroom for this information session (please email Miss Tebble asap if you would like to attend)

To be eligible students will:

• be entering Years 10 or 11 in 2026
• be able to have a weekly release day from school
• have private transport to and from work

To express your interest in the school-based traineeship:

• reach out to our VET Coordinator, Mr Kyle, or our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Tebble, about your interest in a school-based traineeship and how it aligns with your SET Plan. 

Cowboys Leagues Club 2026 School-based Traineeship Intake program

The Cowboys Leagues Club is excited to welcome applications for their 2026 School Based Traineeship programs!

Available Traineeships in 2026 are:

• Certificate III in Hospitality
• Certificate III in Business
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

CLB will be holding 2 information/enrolment sessions in October:

Session 1: Tuesday 21 October, 4pm

Session 2: Thursday 23 October, 4pm 

Location: Cowboys Leagues Club, Flinders Street

Interested students must register their attendance and bring along a parent/guardian.

In these sessions CBL will explain the various Traineeships, what’s involved, and why the Club’s traineeships are an incredible opportunity for students interested in developing a career in Hospitality or obtain a nationally accredited qualification.

To be eligible students will:

• be entering Years 10 or 11 in 2026
• be able to have a weekly release day from school
• have private transport to and from work

To register to attend the information/enrolment session:

• email your resume to Anita Poorta at Cowboys Leagues Club

anita.poorta@cowboysleagues.com.au

• reach out to our VET Coordinator, Mr Kyle, or our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Tebble, about your interest in a school-based traineeship and how it aligns with your SET Plan. 

Celebrating early university offers

We proudly acknowledge and congratulate the following Year 12 students who have accepted early conditional offers into their preferred course in 2026 at James Cook University:

• Dalys Coleman
• Kate Hammett
• Kaia Harris
• Sienna Matthews
• Gian Hilapo
• Olivia Jack
• Joshua Jago
• Emily-Rose Jones
• Rory McPherson
• Oscar Miles
• Clancy Yeoman

Applications are open for JCU’s Early Offer program. Students considering applying for an early offer are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss with Miss Tebble and submit their nomination form for School recommendation before 7 October. Applications close Friday 10 October 2025. To reduce distractions for students, offers will not be made during the external examination period.

QTAC Applications

Applications are now open for Year 12 students to apply for university courses commencing in 2026 

Early Bird applications close on 30 September. From 1 October, a higher application fee will apply.

University key dates and events 

Job Opportunities and Vacancies

Townsville City Council - 2026 Traineeships and Apprenticeships Intake Program

Do you know a school leaver looking to kick start their career? Applications are now open for:

Apprenticeships

• Apprentice Diesel Fitter
• Apprentice Electrical and Instrumentation (dual qualification)
• Apprentice Fitter and Turner
• Apprentice Outdoor Power Equipment Technology
• Apprentice Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanic
• Apprentice Parks and Gardens
• Apprentice Boilermaker
• Apprentice Parts Interpreter

Traineeships

• Trainee Veterinary Nurse 
• Trainee Learning & Development
• Trainee Animal Care Services
• Trainee Business (Business Support Environmental Health and Regulation)
• Trainee Business (Customer Experience)
• Trainee Business (Procurement Administration)

Applications close Monday 6 October.

Need help with updating your Resume, or writing an engaging cover letter? Reach out early for an appointment with our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Kathryn Tebble.

SEEK - Apprenticeships and Traineeships

The following positions are currently advertised on Seek.com

• Carpenter Apprenticeship - Community Solutions
• Landscaping Apprenticeship - Community Solutions
• Apprenticeship Opportunity: Heavy Vehicle Diesel Mechanic & Panel Beater - Royans Transport Accident Repairs
• Storeperson Traineeship: CIII in Warehousing & Logistics - Western Truck Group
• 1st Year Apprentice Mechanic - MyCar
• Apprentice Sport Turf Management - Green by Nature
• Apprenticeships various opportunities with Department of Housing and Public Works
• Carpenter, Electrical, Plumber, Painter, Refrigeration Mechanic (school-based positions also available).
• Apprentice Spraypainter - NQ Commercial Finishes
• Electrical Industry Technical Traineeships - Ergon Energy Townsville

Sun Metals- Expression of Interest in CIII Process Plant Operator Traineeship

Community Solutions, in partnership with Sun Metals, are posting an expression of interest for 2025 school leavers looking to start a career with a 24-month traineeship to gain a Cert III in Process Plant Operations, commencing January 2026. Interested students can submit their Expression of Interest online at the following link:Apply here. Application Deadline: Thursday, October 31st, 2025

Events & Open Days

Upcoming Automotive Meet & Greet in Townsville! 

Looking to jumpstart your career in the automotive industry? 

Don’t miss this opportunity hosted by Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ)! 

When: Thursday, September 18 | 3:30 PM AEST 

Where: Tropics Golf Club, Nineteenth Avenue, Kirwan, QLD 

This event is perfect for: 

School Students (Year 12) exploring apprenticeships and real-world industry experience 

Job Seekers eager to connect with business owners and leaders 

Business Owners looking to meet motivated candidates and grow their teams 

Expand your network, discover career opportunities, and create meaningful connections in the automotive sector. Register for the event here

Scholarships

Westpac 2026 Young Technologists Scholarship Online Information Session

Organisation: Westpac

Date: September 25, 2025

The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is for talented and inquisitive high school graduates looking to strengthen their passion and expertise in technology and inspire good in the world of STEM.

Applications for Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships are open from 2 Sept 2025 - 13 Jan 2026 and are valued up to $20,000 each. With a weeklong disruptive leaders program in Singapore and access to mentoring and networking opportunities, this scholarship is a unique opportunity to strengthen your passion and expertise in technology and inspire new ways of thinking.

Thinking of applying for a Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship, but have some unanswered questions? Register for the online information session that will cover everything from the eligibility criteria and funding guidelines to key attributes of a Westpac Scholar and tips to complete your application. You'll also get to hear from past scholars who can give you more insight into what to expect, and there will be time for Q&A at the end. Find out more and register

Griffith University George Alexander Foundation Scholarships for Students Relocating to Study

Organisation: Griffith University

Value: Up to $24,000 AUD

Open Date: July 1, 2025

Close Date: January 19, 2026

Find out more

Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship for Talented School Leavers in STEM

Organisation: Westpac

Value: $20,000 AUD

Open Date: September 2, 2025

Close Date: January 13, 2026

Find out more

University of Melbourne Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarship Program for Education or Accommodation Costs

Organisation: University of Melbourne

Value: Up to $36,000 AUD

Open Date: August 4, 2025

Close Date: January 13, 2026

Find out more

Key Events

For career counselling and information:

Miss Kathryn Tebble

Career Development Practitioner 

4751 7300 or ktebble1@sacc.catholic.edu.au

www.stanthonyscareers.com