Start your trade while you're still in school
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships let Years 10–12 students earn, learn and get a head start on a nationally recognised automotive qualification — all while completing their SACE or HSC.
What is a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship?
A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT in SA/QLD, SBAT in NSW) lets you start a formal training contract while you're still enrolled in secondary school. You combine part-time paid employment with your school studies and nationally recognised training delivered by Mechanist.
When you finish school, your apprenticeship or traineeship continues full-time — so you enter the workforce ahead of your peers with a real qualification and real workplace hours already under your belt.
Your school will need to agree to the arrangement and release you for part of the school week to attend work. Mechanist coordinates with your school, your employer and the relevant state authority to make it happen.
SA — School-Based Apprenticeship / Traineeship (SAT)
- ✓Years 10–12
- ✓SACE-credentialled VET
- ✓Paid part-time employment
- ✓Skills SA subsidised training
QLD — School-Based Apprenticeship / Traineeship (SAT)
- ✓Years 10–12 (some trades Year 11+)
- ✓QCE contribution
- ✓Paid part-time employment
- ✓QLD Career Start funded
NSW — School-Based Apprenticeship / Traineeship (SBAT)
- ✓Years 10–12
- ✓HSC VET elective
- ✓Registered NSW Training Contract
- ✓Smart & Skilled subsidised
Your school-based journey
From enquiry to qualified — while you complete Year 12.
You or a parent contacts Mechanist. We discuss which trade interests you and what's available in your area.
Your school signs off on the arrangement. An employer agrees to take you on part-time. Mechanist helps coordinate.
Your training contract is registered with the state government authority. You are now a formally registered apprentice or trainee.
You attend work on your nominated day(s). Mechanist's trainer visits you at the workplace. Training is assessed on the job.
You complete Year 12. Your training contract continues. Many students transition to full-time status after school finishes.
Training completed, certificate issued. You enter the workforce with a nationally recognised trade qualification and a head start on your peers.
Automotive courses available for school students
Subject to your state and employer availability. Mechanist will confirm approved courses for your situation.
Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
AUR30620 — Certificate III. The core automotive trade.
Enquire →Automotive Electrical Technology
AUR30320 — Certificate III. Growing demand for EV-ready electricians.
Enquire →Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
AUR30820 — Certificate III. Motorcycles, scooters and recreational vehicles.
Enquire →Automotive Tyre Servicing
AUR21920 — Certificate II. Fast-entry traineeship into tyre retail and service.
Enquire →Questions from parents or schools?
Mechanist works directly with schools and parents to set up school-based arrangements. If you're a parent wanting more information, or a school careers advisor looking to discuss a student, get in touch — we're happy to talk through the options.
VocTrain Pty Ltd trading as Mechanist | RTO ID: 6194 | ABN: 68 085 539 322
School-based arrangements require school and employer approval. All enrolments are subject to state government eligibility assessment.