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Government funded support for SBAT in NSW (Simple Guide For employers)

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) give students in Years 11 and 12 the chance to complete their HSC while gaining paid workplace experience and a nationally recognised qualification. It is a practical way to build confidence, skills and a clear pathway to future employment or further study.

Eligible school-based trainees (SBAT) and new entrant trainees in NSW can access fee-free training when their course is Smart and Skilled funded and commenced within current NSW timelines. This removes the student fee for the training component while they earn and learn. 

*Eligibility criteria, course list and dates apply; settings are updated by NSW Skills NSW. Check current details with Bedford or NSW Government.

  • SBATs allow students to earn while they learn, combining school studies with paid work and accredited training.
  • For employers, SBATs provide the opportunity to develop future talent and create a steady pipeline of motivated young people who understand their workplace culture and expectations from the start.

Students spend part of the week at school and the rest at work, supported by Bedford as their Registered Training Organisation (RTO). We coordinate with schools and employers so that training, assessment and schedules align, making the experience seamless for everyone involved.

SBAT Courses with Bedford (Years 11–12)

Bedford offers SBAT pathways aligned to nationally recognised qualifications (typically Certificate II–III), including:

Priority Hiring Incentive: Employers may be eligible for up to $5000 for enrolling a learner into qualifications*

Where eligible under Smart and Skilled, these SBAT options may be fee-free in NSW.

Key Objectives of SBAT Programmes

The main purpose of an SBAT is to connect classroom learning with practical workplace experience.

These programmes aim to:

  • Give students employable skills and confidence before they graduate.
  • Help employers build and shape the next generation of skilled professionals.
  • Strengthen partnerships between schools, training providers and local industries.

This dual model ensures students leave school ready to contribute in the workplace, while employers benefit from a skilled, enthusiastic workforce.

The Role of Employers

Employers are central to the success of every SBAT. By hosting a school-based apprentice or trainee, you play a vital role in shaping their professional growth and supporting their confidence.

Your partnership offers students a meaningful start to their career and provides your business with new energy, perspective and productivity.

Employers commit to:

  • Providing structured on-the-job training that complements formal study.
  • Maintaining a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
  • Liaising with Bedford and the student’s school to align hours, expectations and assessments.
  • Supporting each student’s progress towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Bedford ensures this process is straightforward. Our trainers and support staff check in regularly with employers and students to keep everyone on track and ensure training outcomes align with workplace needs.

The Benefits for Employers

Beyond financial incentives, employers gain lasting advantages through SBAT participation:

  • Workforce development: Build capable employees who already understand your systems and expectations.
  • Productivity: Students can assist with daily operations while developing new skills.
  • Retention: Early engagement fosters loyalty and long-term career interest.
  • Reputation: Demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to education and community development.

Many Bedford partners find their SBAT students transition easily into full-time roles or traineeships after graduation. They arrive already trained, reliable and connected to your workplace culture.

Government Funded Support for SBATs in NSW

The NSW and Australian Governments provide a range of funding and incentive programmes to help employers support SBAT students. These initiatives reduce training costs, simplify the process and encourage more businesses to invest in developing the next generation of skilled workers.

NSW Government Support (for employers)

  • Smart and Skilled training fee subsidies for approved qualifications delivered by an RTO (covers the student fee component where eligible). 
  • Payroll tax rebate on wages paid to approved apprentices and new entrant trainees during the eligible training period. Revenue NSW
  • Travel & accommodation assistance (VTAS) to help eligible apprentices/trainees attend required off-the-job training. 

Bedford can help you confirm eligibility and coordinate claims with Training Services NSW.

Australian Government Support

At a national level, the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme (AAIP) provides:

  • Commencement and completion incentives for new apprentices and trainees.
  • Wage subsidies for priority industries.
  • Targeted support for mature-age, regional or equity group participants.

Bedford works closely with Apprenticeship Network Providers (ANPs) to ensure funding and contracts are managed efficiently and in compliance with all government requirements.

Priority Hiring Incentive & Wage Subsidy (Australian Government)

  • Priority Wage Subsidy: For eligible occupations on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, employers can be reimbursed a percentage of apprentice/trainee wages for up to 3 years, paid quarterly. 
  • Hiring Incentive: For non-priority occupations, eligible employers receive a hiring payment in two installments at 6 and 12 months after commencement. 

*Amounts, occupation status and rules change over time; confirm current settings with your Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) before hiring.

Quick tip for employers

Many SBAT traineeships are fee-free for eligible learners under Smart and Skilled. This lowers your training costs, and you may also be eligible for Commonwealth incentives and the NSW payroll tax rebate. Bedford will guide you through contracts, funding and claims.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Started with an SBAT

Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility

Employers must be based in NSW and offer on-the-job training linked to an approved qualification. Students must be enrolled in the HSC and at least 15 years old.

Step 2 – Partner with Bedford College

As a Registered Training Organisation, Bedford delivers the training and assessment component. We align learning outcomes with school schedules and employer requirements.

Step 3 – Lodge the Training Contract

The employer, student and Bedford jointly complete a training contract lodged with Training Services NSW for official approval.

Step 4 – Access Financial Incentives

Payments are typically released at commencement, progress (e.g., 6 or 12 months) and completion, depending on the incentive and occupation status. Your ANP will confirm the schedule.

Bedford’s Role in Every SBAT

Bedford connects schools, students and employers to create training that is practical and effective. Our goal is to make hosting an SBAT student simple for employers and empowering for learners.

We:

  • Develop and manage training plans.
  • Deliver and assess accredited learning.
  • Communicate regularly with schools and supervisors.
  • Provide ongoing support for both students and workplaces.

Traineeship Courses with Bedford (beyond SBAT)

For entry-level staff (or post-school hires), Bedford also delivers traineeships in:

Priority Hiring Incentive: You may be eligible for up to $5000 for enrolling a learner into qualifications*

In NSW, eligible new entrant traineeships funded under Smart and Skilled can be fee-free for the learner’s training component.

Final Thoughts

At Bedford College, we see SBATs as more than a qualification. They are an investment in the future.

For students, they build confidence, skills and experience that last well beyond school. For employers, they provide a chance to shape capable, job-ready staff and give back to the community.

If your organisation is ready to support local students while building your future workforce, Bedford is here to help. We will guide you through every step from eligibility and training plans to funding and mentoring, so you can focus on developing young people who are ready to succeed.

Learn more at bedford.edu.au or call 1300 174 174 to speak with our team.

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