Get set with a SAT
Has your child considered completing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT)?
More than 7000 Queensland students, typically in Years 11 and 12, get a career head start each year by undertaking SATs, which give them access to qualifications, wages, and experience in a real work environment while continuing their high school education.
Schools work closely with training institutions, universities, business and industry sectors to boost career pathways for young people.
The majority of students opt for training in retail, hospitality, business and construction, although some pursue less obvious qualifications such as optical dispensing, jewellery manufacturing, floristry, stone masonry and television broadcasting.
There is also a wide range of SAT options in skill shortage areas such as engineering, automotive and electrical industries, boatbuilding and child care.
Former Clifton State High School student Jodie Pauli said she chose a school-based traineeship to boost her career opportunities.
'I completed a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Allied Health) in Years 11 and 12 which involved formal training from the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE and reallife experience and wages from the Clifton Co-op Hospital,' Miss Pauli said.
'I now work part-time as an assistant nurse at the Coop Hospital and I'm hoping to continue my studies at university to become a registered nurse.
'Working in Allied Health is a big job for someone my age, but the hospital has given me a lot of support, and placed a lot of trust in me.'
Careers Coordinator at Brisbane's St John Fisher College, Kerry McGuiness, said SATs also give young people general skills that prepare them for life after school.
'A traineeship is an opportunity to "try before you buy" for many students,' Ms McGuiness said.
'Undertaking a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship certainly affects students' maturity because they are in an adult environment, and being paid adds to their confidence and independence.
'We find the large majority of students undertaking a SAT are more focused on their school work with the school week condensed to four days.
'Most complete their training before they leave school so regardless of whether they pursue a job, university, TAFE or trade career in the future, they have additional skills and personal attributes in the bag that make them more employable.'
Townsville's Heatley Secondary College Head of Vocational Training, Helena Peever, said parents can play a key role in helping their child achieve a balance between school work and training.
'We always involve families and we make sure the decision about an individual student undertaking training is a family one,' Ms Peever said.
'Apprenticeships or traineeships are a major transition for young people, some of whom have unrealistic expectations of the workplace.
'An empathetic parent can make a world of difference. By speaking regularly to young people about their workload, parents can help head off small problems before they become large ones.'
For more information go to the Apprenticeships Info website 
or phone the Apprenticeships Info hotline on 1800 210 210.
Support during SAT
- Talk with your child about their career goals and any SAT options that might help to achieve those goals.
- Develop a timetable to balance the workload of school, work and training.
- Discuss transport arrangements - how will your child get to his or her workplace?
- Ask your child about their day at work and how school subjects relate to their job.
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