SBAT

SBAT programs have increased demands and expectations on students than a SWL & VET pathway.  Students will be completing TAFE courses, often with adults, that are at Certificate III and above level in many industries.  Programs that include block release TAFE will mean students miss school days and are expected to catch up on this work as a requirement for satisfactory completion of each school unit.

SBAT opportunities are offered to students that have demonstrated strong capabilities in the following areas:

• Time management

• Ability to meet deadlines

• Strong interest in their chosen industry

• Strong communication skills

• Strong organisational skills

• A dedicated commitment to the VCE VM program

Typically, SBATs are offered to students that have demonstrated the above during their year 11 VCE-VM studies.  In some exceptional cases, students that have demonstrated the above throughout year 10, may be considered ready to begin a SBAT in year 11.  Once a SBAT program has begun, if students are unable to continue to demonstrate an ability to meet all the demands both at school and in their SBAT, they may be removed from the program.

The following sequence outlines a typical SBAT progression:

• Students need to first find an employer willing to take them on for the SBAT (there are some financial incentives for employers).  The process for EPSILOM numbers and TAFE entry can not begin until a suitable employer is found.

• AASN (Australian Apprentice Support Network) is contacted by the school to complete a sign up, conducted at the workplace.

• From sign up, students are paid according to the award wage for their industry, and each work day counts towards their apprenticeship / traineeship.

• Employers are offered the choice of which RTO or on the job they would like to use, legally this is the employers decision.

• Studens are issued an EPSILOM number (this can take several weeks to arrive).

• Students are then contacted directly by the RTO regarding their TAFE sign up.

• Students use personal emails for this, as the apprenticeship / traineeship) will likely run beyond their schooling, and need to check regularly and complete all paperwork.

• Students have regular workplace visits and reports and check ins at school to help manage their TAFE requirements.

For all students, including SBAT programs, the school work is the priority part of their program.  They will not be eligible for the VCE-VM certificate if they do not satisfactorily complete the required school work.  In the unfortunate event that students fall behind in their school work, they may be removed from their apprenticeship / traineeship in order to complete the school work.