Benefits of SBATs for employers.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) offer an opportunity to upskill your businesses while investing in the next generation of skilled workers. Whether you're a small or medium enterprise or a large organisation, taking on a school-based apprentice or trainee can bring lasting benefits to your workplace, industry, and community.

Build your future workforce

One of the advantages of SBATs is access to a motivated talent pipeline. School-based apprentices and trainees split their time between school, paid work, and formal training, developing hands-on skills that are directly relevant to your business. You’re not just filling a position, you’re helping shape an employee who understands your systems, expectations, and workplace culture from the ground up.

Early investment in opportunities for young workers is a good indicator of your organisation’s commitment to training and development, which will benefit you in the long term when it comes to attracting and retaining quality employees.

A flexible, supported model

Employing a school-based apprentice or trainee doesn’t have to disrupt your operations. The structure is designed to be flexible, typically involving one day per week in the workplace during school terms, with the option of working more hours during school holidays. Training plans are tailored to match both your business needs and the individual learner’s strengths, ensuring a productive and rewarding experience for all parties involved.

As a host employer working with Zeal Futures, we’ll ensure you get a good return on your investment by finding and recruiting the right person for the role, coordinating training requirements with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO), monitoring your SBAT’s progress and performance on and off-the-job, and all of the administrative and regulatory requirements that come with employing apprentices, trainees and SBATs. This means you’ll have more time to focus on providing quality and relevant hands-on training. Click here to learn more about what services we provide as a group training organisation (GTO).

Financial incentives and support

You may be eligible for financial incentives under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System. These can help offset the costs of training and wages, making SBATs a cost-effective way to build capacity in your business.

Real success stories

Partnerships, such as our collaboration with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, demonstrate the transformative potential of SBATs. Fourteen Indigenous school-based trainees recently completed qualifications in Business and Conservation & Ecosystem Management, while hosted to various department organisations like the National Parks & Wildlife Service. This initiative has facilitated new career and learning pathways for these students while strengthening workforce diversity in the process.

Many of our host employers recognise the benefits of employing SBATs, with organisations like BlueScope, Lithgow City Council, South Coast Equipment and Sydney Airport Corporation already hosting a school-based apprentice in areas like Electrotechnology, Engineering Mechanical, Plumbing and Mobile Plant Technology. Programs like these help embed skills development into the DNA of the business while nurturing work-ready talent from your local community.

A smart, sustainable investment

Hiring a school-based apprentice or trainee is a smart decision for your business. You’ll gain access to young people with fresh perspectives who are eager to learn and get a head start in their careers. Through tailored training and strong support structures, you’ll be helping to close skills gaps, future-proof your workforce, and contribute to a thriving economy.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact Zeal Futures today to learn how a school-based apprentice or trainee can make a difference in your workplace.