Head Start

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) are an employment-based learning pathway that you can take during your secondary schooling. You will combine your senior school years with paid part-time employment and skills training in your chosen field.

About Head Start

Head Start connects students to SBAT opportunities. Head Start Coordinators located in schools across Victoria support students to identify and commence their SBAT, complete school, and transition to full time employment post-school.

You can undertake an SBAT if you are:

Over 15 years old
Enrolled in years 10, 11 or 12
An Australian citizen or permanent resident.

*Non-citizens may be eligible under certain circumstances. Speak with your Head Start coordinator for more information.

Benefits

increase your future employability and earning potential, by gaining the skills, confidence and knowledge you need to succeed in the future workplace
undertake a secondary certificate such as the VCE, including the VCE Vocational Major, or the Victorian Pathways Certificate.
undertake paid employment to build the career you want.
access quality VET courses, in a wide range of industries with an approved training provider.
combine regular school attendance with a minimum of 7 hours per week of employment, and a minimum of 6 hours per week of structured training, (averaged over 3 periods of 4 months in each year of the SBAT). At least 1 day per week is timetabled by your school to be spent on the job or in training during the normal school week.

Student Testimonial

Colleen Bradley, parent of Kane Bradley – Stevenson Fabrication, Numurkah

“Head Start was the stepping stone that my son needed. My son is in High School and just wasn’t interested in attending school.

The Head Start program organised a school based apprenticeship and now he is flourishing and now enjoys working and building his career. I would like to express my gratitude for the programs dedication to providing quality education and support.”

HEAD START supports everyone

Head Start – Hearing from our employers:

Head Start – Hearing from our parents:

Head Start – Hearing from our students:

Training Contracts and Training Plans

Head Start Coordinators take the stress out of the SBAT sign-up process, by organising an appropriate time and date for:

Apprenticeship Support Services
parents and students
employers

Your Head Start Coordinator will help you navigate the enrolment process with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and ensure your school is supplied with a copy of your Training Plan. All VCE and VET providers enter and use the Victorian Assessment Software System (VASS) to enrol students and record results.

Your Head Start Coordinator will also routinely check in with you, your employer, and your RTO to ensure you are progressing through the SBAT, whilst maintaining your studies at school.

Contact Us

Head Start Coordinator

Kristen Elliott

0493 772 617

KRISTEN.ELLIOTT2@EDUCATION.VIC.GOV.AU

GOULBURN OVENS MURRAY

HEADSTART.GOM@EDUCATION.VIC.GOV.AU