School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

If a student (15 years of age or over) wants to undertake a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship, does he/she have to be enrolled in the VCAL as their senior secondary certificate?
Can a student undertake two or more School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships concurrently?
Why is the principal's signature required on the Training Plan?
What is the time commitment for a student undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship?
What is an intergrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship, as opposed to a non-integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship?
What is the role of the school in both the integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship and the non-integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship?
What do the Apprenticeship Field Officers (AFOs) do?
What is a pre-apprenticeship?
Can a student undertake scored assessment for the purposes of achieving a Study Score while undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship?
Where is the best source of information about what credit in the VCE or VCAL is available for School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships?

If a student (15 years of age or over) wants to undertake a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship, does he/she have to be enrolled in the VCAL as their senior secondary certificate?

No, the student can be enrolled in either the VCE or the VCAL. Which qualification a student should enrol in is an individual school/student decision. However, students should be allowed to engage in a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship within either the VCE or VCAL.

Can a student undertake two or more School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships concurrently?

In theory, a student can be enrolled in two or more separate qualifications all being undertaken through School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship arrangements. In practice, however, it would be very difficult for a student to juggle the demands of more than one School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship in combination with his/her VCE or VCAL program. The student would have to be employed in two or more work contexts/workplaces that are relevant to the two or more individual training programs, attend one or more training organisations to undertake the training particular to each qualification, and would have to meet the study requirements and outcomes for the senior secondary certificate in which they are enrolled.

Why is the principal's signature required on the Training Plan?

The principal’s (or delegate’s) signature on the Training Plan is an acknowledgment by the school of the student’s engagement in the School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship. The signature is not endorsing the quality of training nor accepting responsibility for the outcome of the Contract of Training. When the principal signs the Training Plan, the school is undertaking responsibility to enrol the student on Victorian Assessment Software System (VASS) so that credit for the training within the VCE or VCAL can be awarded to the student.

The Training Plan must provide details of the qualification and the units of competence the student will be undertaking and should include a delivery schedule of the training.

What is the time commitment for a student undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship?

As a general rule, the minimum number of hours required for a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship is 15 hours per week over two years, or ten hours per week over three years, averaged for the duration of the Training Contract. Some students will be released for blocks of training; some will spend more than two days per week in the workplace in paid employment. Whatever arrangement is negotiated by the employer, registered training organisation and student/school, the student should expect to be out of the school, on average, two days per week in a combination of training and employment.

What is an intergrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship, as opposed to a non-integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship?

An ‘integrated’ School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship refers to the arrangement whereby a student is released from the weekly school timetable to attend the training organisation and workplace, during the normal school week. In effect, the School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship is integrated within the student’s senior certificate program.

The ‘non-integrated’ School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship refers to the situation where a student is engaged in a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship entirely outside the normal school week. This is the case where a student is employed part-time on the weekends/after school and is also signed up by the employer under a Contract of Training. This arrangement does not require the school to release the student for any time during the normal school week to fulfil the obligations of the part-time apprenticeship.

The student is eligible for credit in their VCE or VCAL in either arrangement.

What is the role of the school in both the integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship and the non-integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship?

The home school enrols the student on VASS according to the qualification and units of competence listed in the Training Plan. Schools enter results provided by the Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

For further advice/assistance in enrolling students contact:

Student Records and Results Unit
Tel: (03) 9651 4402 or 1800 653 045

VET Unit
Tel: (03) 9651 4458

VASS Support
Tel: (03) 9651 4482 or 1800 827 721

What do the Apprenticeship Field Officers (AFOs) do?

Apprenticeship field officers are there to:

investigate disputes between apprentices/trainees and employers
support apprentices/trainees who are victims of workplace violence and harassment
help providers of training and further education to participate in apprenticeships and traineeships
advise and counsel apprentices/trainees and employers on training and other matters.

Contact details for Apprenticeship Field Officers in your area can be sourced at www.otte.vic.gov.au/aptvicapp.asp

What is a pre-apprenticeship?

A pre-apprenticeship is a nationally recognised qualification that has an automatic training and duration credit into the apprenticeship in the same industry area. A pre-apprenticeship training program prepares the student for entry into a trade based apprenticeship by equipping the student with foundation knowledge and skills.

When the student progresses into the apprenticeship the RTO will advise the apprentice and employer of the training credit on the agreed Training Plan. The employer and apprentice will receive written confirmation of the duration credit from Skills Victoria (formerly OTTE) when the Training Contract is registered.

Currently there is a number of VCE VET programs that are Skills Victoria endorsed pre-apprenticeships:

21560VIC Certificate II in Automotive Technology Studies
21566VIC Certificate II in Engineering Studies
21278VIC Certificate II in Furnishing (Pre-apprenticeship-Cabinet Making)
21393VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction (Bricklaying, Carpentry, Painting and Decorating – Pre apprenticeship)
ICP20105 Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts (General).

Note: The above qualifications are not available as School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

Can a student undertake scored assessment for the purposes of achieving a Study Score while undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship?

In the industry areas of Business, Community Services, Hospitality, Information Technology and Sport and Recreation a student engaged in a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship can undertake scored assessment for the purpose of achieving a Study Score. A Study Score can contribute directly to the calculation of the student’s ENTER and can be included in the primary four studies used to calculate the ENTER.

The procedures for scored assessment are the same as for the VCE VET programs in these industry areas. Schools/RTOs are referred to the relevant VCE VET program booklet and companion VCE VET Assessment Guide for details about the training components that make up the scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence and the scored assessment process.

A student undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship does not have to undertake scored assessment for the purposes of achieving a contribution to the ENTER. Most School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship students do not undertake scored assessment due to the increased demands of work, structured training and schooling. School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship students will be granted a 10% increment by VTAC (10% of the average of the primary four scaled studies) where a Unit 3–4 sequence has been achieved and where the student does not receive a Study Score for the School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship. Where a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship student chooses to undertake scored assessment, schools are encouraged to contact the Student Records and Results Unit for enrolment advice.

Where is the best source of information about what credit in the VCE or VCAL is available for School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships?

Accurate advice to students and parents is critical and is the responsibility of schools, not the responsibility of RTOs or employers. The school is the conduit for information about School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships and credit arrangements in the senior secondary certificates. Schools are encouraged to contact the VCAA VET Unit for clarification and further advice relating to School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships and their relationship with the VCE or VCAL.

Schools are referred to the VCAA publication, A Guide to School Based New Apprenticeships for Victorian Secondary Students (2003) and Supplement 1 to the February 2006 VCAA Bulletin – School Based New Apprenticeships.

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		School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions If a student (15 years of age or over) wants to undertake a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship, does he/she have to be enrolled in the VCAL as their senior secondary certificate? Can a student undertake two or more School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships concurrently? Why is the principal's signature required on the Training Plan? What is the time commitment for a student undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship? What is an intergrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship, as opposed to a non-integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship? What is the role of the school in both the integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship and the non-integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship? What do the Apprenticeship Field Officers (AFOs) do? What is a pre-apprenticeship? Can a student undertake scored assessment for the purposes of achieving a Study Score while undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship? Where is the best source of information about what credit in the VCE or VCAL is available for School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships? Back to Top If a student (15 years of age or over) wants to undertake a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship, does he/she have to be enrolled in the VCAL as their senior secondary certificate? No, the student can be enrolled in either the VCE or the VCAL. Which qualification a student should enrol in is an individual school/student decision. However, students should be allowed to engage in a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship within either the VCE or VCAL. Back to Top Can a student undertake two or more School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships concurrently? In theory, a student can be enrolled in two or more separate qualifications all being undertaken through School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship arrangements. In practice, however, it would be very difficult for a student to juggle the demands of more than one School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship in combination with his/her VCE or VCAL program. The student would have to be employed in two or more work contexts/workplaces that are relevant to the two or more individual training programs, attend one or more training organisations to undertake the training particular to each qualification, and would have to meet the study requirements and outcomes for the senior secondary certificate in which they are enrolled. Back to Top Why is the principal's signature required on the Training Plan? The principal’s (or delegate’s) signature on the Training Plan is an acknowledgment by the school of the student’s engagement in the School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship. The signature is not endorsing the quality of training nor accepting responsibility for the outcome of the Contract of Training. When the principal signs the Training Plan, the school is undertaking responsibility to enrol the student on Victorian Assessment Software System (VASS) so that credit for the training within the VCE or VCAL can be awarded to the student. The Training Plan must provide details of the qualification and the units of competence the student will be undertaking and should include a delivery schedule of the training. Back to Top What is the time commitment for a student undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship? As a general rule, the minimum number of hours required for a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship is 15 hours per week over two years, or ten hours per week over three years, averaged for the duration of the Training Contract. Some students will be released for blocks of training; some will spend more than two days per week in the workplace in paid employment. Whatever arrangement is negotiated by the employer, registered training organisation and student/school, the student should expect to be out of the school, on average, two days per week in a combination of training and employment. Back to Top What is an intergrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship, as opposed to a non-integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship? An ‘integrated’ School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship refers to the arrangement whereby a student is released from the weekly school timetable to attend the training organisation and workplace, during the normal school week. In effect, the School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship is integrated within the student’s senior certificate program. The ‘non-integrated’ School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship refers to the situation where a student is engaged in a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship entirely outside the normal school week. This is the case where a student is employed part-time on the weekends/after school and is also signed up by the employer under a Contract of Training. This arrangement does not require the school to release the student for any time during the normal school week to fulfil the obligations of the part-time apprenticeship. The student is eligible for credit in their VCE or VCAL in either arrangement. Back to Top What is the role of the school in both the integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship and the non-integrated School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship? The home school enrols the student on VASS according to the qualification and units of competence listed in the Training Plan. Schools enter results provided by the Registered Training Organisation (RTO). For further advice/assistance in enrolling students contact: Student Records and Results Unit Tel: (03) 9651 4402 or 1800 653 045 VET Unit Tel: (03) 9651 4458 VASS Support Tel: (03) 9651 4482 or 1800 827 721 Back to Top What do the Apprenticeship Field Officers (AFOs) do? Apprenticeship field officers are there to: investigate disputes between apprentices/trainees and employers support apprentices/trainees who are victims of workplace violence and harassment help providers of training and further education to participate in apprenticeships and traineeships advise and counsel apprentices/trainees and employers on training and other matters. Contact details for Apprenticeship Field Officers in your area can be sourced at www.otte.vic.gov.au/aptvicapp.asp Back to Top What is a pre-apprenticeship? A pre-apprenticeship is a nationally recognised qualification that has an automatic training and duration credit into the apprenticeship in the same industry area. A pre-apprenticeship training program prepares the student for entry into a trade based apprenticeship by equipping the student with foundation knowledge and skills. When the student progresses into the apprenticeship the RTO will advise the apprentice and employer of the training credit on the agreed Training Plan. The employer and apprentice will receive written confirmation of the duration credit from Skills Victoria (formerly OTTE) when the Training Contract is registered. Currently there is a number of VCE VET programs that are Skills Victoria endorsed pre-apprenticeships: 21560VIC Certificate II in Automotive Technology Studies 21566VIC Certificate II in Engineering Studies 21278VIC Certificate II in Furnishing (Pre-apprenticeship-Cabinet Making) 21393VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction (Bricklaying, Carpentry, Painting and Decorating – Pre apprenticeship) ICP20105 Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts (General). Note: The above qualifications are not available as School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Back to Top Can a student undertake scored assessment for the purposes of achieving a Study Score while undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship? In the industry areas of Business, Community Services, Hospitality, Information Technology and Sport and Recreation a student engaged in a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship can undertake scored assessment for the purpose of achieving a Study Score. A Study Score can contribute directly to the calculation of the student’s ENTER and can be included in the primary four studies used to calculate the ENTER. The procedures for scored assessment are the same as for the VCE VET programs in these industry areas. Schools/RTOs are referred to the relevant VCE VET program booklet and companion VCE VET Assessment Guide for details about the training components that make up the scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence and the scored assessment process. A student undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship does not have to undertake scored assessment for the purposes of achieving a contribution to the ENTER. Most School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship students do not undertake scored assessment due to the increased demands of work, structured training and schooling. School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship students will be granted a 10% increment by VTAC (10% of the average of the primary four scaled studies) where a Unit 3–4 sequence has been achieved and where the student does not receive a Study Score for the School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship. Where a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship student chooses to undertake scored assessment, schools are encouraged to contact the Student Records and Results Unit for enrolment advice. Back to Top Where is the best source of information about what credit in the VCE or VCAL is available for School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships? Accurate advice to students and parents is critical and is the responsibility of schools, not the responsibility of RTOs or employers. The school is the conduit for information about School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships and credit arrangements in the senior secondary certificates. Schools are encouraged to contact the VCAA VET Unit for clarification and further advice relating to School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships and their relationship with the VCE or VCAL. Schools are referred to the VCAA publication, A Guide to School Based New Apprenticeships for Victorian Secondary Students (2003) and Supplement 1 to the February 2006 VCAA Bulletin – School Based New Apprenticeships.
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