Hire Pre-Vetted High School Students To Work Weekdays
Train high school students into skilled team members through government-subsidised school-based traineeships — at zero college costs to you.
What Are School-Based Traineeships?
School-based traineeships let you hire high school students who work one set day per week while completing a nationally recognised qualification. They develop practical skills in your workplace while we handle the training, registration, and support.
The best part?
Training is State Government–subsidised, and our services are no cost to employers.
Why Businesses Choose School-Based Trainees
Build Your Talent Pipeline
Flexible, Predictable Staffing
Zero Cost Recruitment
Reduce Turnover
No Setup Hassles
Perfect for Growth
School-Based Trainee vs Regular Part-Timer
How It Works
Free Consultation
We Find Your Trainee
Simple Registration
Ongoing Support
Real Results From Real Businesses
Jones Retail Group
I have had the pleasure of working with two of the trainers from AVA and have found them to be organised, efficient, professional, and well presented. The most important part of our relationship is for the trainer to relate to our Trainees and provide open communication both to the Trainees and to our business. Both trainers are exceptional in all areas I have mentioned, and their knowledge of the qualifications trained are exemplary. ….I would recommend the services of the Australian Vocational Academy and we will continue our mutually beneficial relationship many years into the future
Boost Juice, Kelvin Grove
Jane and Andrea have both been looking after my team for their Certificate III in Business since 2017. The support and communication from them have always been very professional and prompt – which shows me how much love and effort they give to each trainee and to the businesses they provide service to.
The Great Aussie Sweet Company
We have just completed our first traineeship with our up and coming Entrepeneur Tayla. She has almost completed grade 12 along with her Cert III in Business with 8 points towards her QCE. We would highly recommend from a small business point of view with extra staff hours allocated to run our store and the invaluable encouragement, focus and direction provided to help students to complete year 12. Andrea was so helpful and provided both Tayla and I the support we needed to carry us through and make this journey an experience we all learnt from. We are so grateful and can’t thank her enough.
City Beach
The trainers that are assigned to the School Based Trainees are committed to ensuring that the trainees feel supported throughout their entire traineeship and strive to set them up for success. This is reflected in the regular one-on-one training sessions that facilitate regular check-ins with our trainees as well as the respective Store Management Team. City Beach is proud to be a long-standing corporate partner of the Australian Retail College
Common Questions
What are the costs to my business?
Businesses are responsible for the standard costs of employing a staff member including wages, insurance, superannuation and taxes. Services for this program provided by AVA are subsidised by the State Government in Queensland and Western Australia.
How many hours can the team member work?
School Based Trainees complete a minimum of 7.5 hours per week, Part Time. This is typically completed on the school release day and if required, the student can be rostered for additional work after school and weekends.
Which day of the week will the trainee be able to work?
School release days are set by individual schools. The trainees’ school timetable and classes may influence which days the school will release the student for. We can provide you with this information on individual students.
Can I employ the student as a casual team member?
The school based traineeship involves registering the student and workplace to a Part Time traineeship contract. Entering into this agreement for a set, minimum number of hours. Trainees cannot be employed on a casual basis.
What support do I receive as an employer?
You’ll receive support from Australian Vocational Academy (AVA), including recruitment, training delivery, progress updates, and direct communication with schools and the Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP).
What is my role as a supervisor?
Supervisors support the on-the-job training using our training record book, complete simple supervisor checklists per module, and allow AVA to conduct workplace observations. Full support is provided to the workplace for this component.
Do I need to manage the paperwork or registration?
AVA will coordinate with the ACAP to complete the traineeship contract and registration. Our team and our partner ACAP will guide you on each step of the process.
How long does the traineeship last?
Most SBTs are completed over 12 to 24 months, depending on the student’s year level, employment schedule, and pace of training.
What happens if the trainee leaves or isn’t suitable?
If issues arise, AVA will work with you to resolve them. If the trainee discontinues, we can assist with finding a replacement if needed. Follow your standard workplace performance management processes.
Can trainees stay on after school?
Yes! Many employers offer ongoing part-time or full-time roles to their trainees after school, creating a valuable long-term team member. There is no obligation to continue once high school concludes.
Limited Placements
Available for Term 2 2026
Tell us about your business and we’ll confirm if you’re eligible for the next intake. Most applications are approved within 48 hours.
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Available to Queensland and Western Australia businesses only. We’ll be in touch within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and next steps.