Sbat & Traineeships

Combine paid employment with formal training to gain a nationally recognised qualification. Whether you are a high school student looking to get ahead, a job seeker wanting practical skills, or an employer building a skilled workforce, Bedford has a pathway for you.

Overview

Delivered through a partnership between Bedford College, employers, and schools (for SBATs), our vocational pathways allow participants to earn a wage while studying towards a qualification.

At Bedford College, we believe in giving students the opportunity to build their future with hands-on experience.

• SBATs: Allow Year 11 and 12 students to start a qualification, gain paid workplace experience, and stay on track for their HSC.
• Traineeships: Available to people of working age (15-64) to combine employment with training, typically running 12 to 24 months.
• Government Funding: Both pathways are fee-free for eligible students and provide incentives for employers.

Programmes

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) Duration: Year 11 & 12

• For High School Students
• Combine school, training, and paid employment.
• Counts towards the HSC.
• Fee-free for eligible students.

Bedford Traineeships Duration: 12–24 months

• For School Leavers & Adult Learners
• Full-time or part-time options available.
• Earn a nationally recognised qualification on the job.
• Fee-free for eligible learners.

How it works

For SBAT Students: Bedford partners with your school and employer to align work hours, training delivery, and assessment. You will complete your schoolwork, paid work, and Bedford training across the year, ensuring a smooth journey toward both your HSC and your qualification.

For Trainees: We coordinate training plans, delivery, and support so trainees and employers stay in step from day one to completion. You are supported every step of the way with structured on-the-job and off-the-job training.

Benefits

For Students & Job Seekers:

• Earn while you learn: Get paid workplace hours built into your timetable.
• Real Experience: Gain hands-on practical learning that prepares you for real workplaces.
• Reduced Anxiety: Benefit from a student-first approach with small, supportive classes.
• Pathways: Access clear pathways into further study, full traineeships, or employment.

For Employers & Partners:

• Build Talent: Create a pipeline of skilled staff with training aligned to your workplace.
• Retention: Boost productivity and retention by developing talent in-house.
• Incentives: You may be eligible for up to $5,000 for enrolling a learner into eligible qualifications.
• Flexibility: Bedford develops the training plan and delivers flexible learning on-site or online.

Courses available

Bedford offers a range of qualifications suitable for SBATs and Traineeships.

SBAT Courses (Certificate III)

• BSB30120 Certificate III in Business
• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care *
• SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness *
• HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance *
• CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support *

Traineeship Courses (Certificate III, IV & Diploma)

• Includes all SBAT courses above, plus:
• HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
• SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness
• BSB50120 Diploma of Business
• CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care *
• BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management

*You may be eligible for government incentives for enrolling a learner into these qualifications.

Eligibility

SBAT:

• Must be entering Year 11 or 12.
• Must have the support of your school and a suitable employer.

Traineeship:

• Must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident (for funding eligibility).
• Available to people of working age.
• Can be a new entrant to the workforce or an existing worker.

Next steps

Students: Talk with your Careers Adviser or contact Bedford to confirm fee-free eligibility and available places.

Employers: Contact our team to confirm eligibility, intake dates, and delivery options for your staff.

Learn more about our aged care courses by downloading a Course Guide or getting in touch.