Partnerships & Pathways
“At HCS, our student careers program offers tailored guidance, workshops, and resources to help you discover your interests, develop essential skills, and set achievable goals”.
“Students at Hunter Christian School are offered personalised guidance, mentorship, and career planning. We assist students by transforming their academic excellence into successful professional opportunities. Our students have access to platforms such as JobJump and a dedicated Careers area within Canvas where they receive frequent updates. In addition, from Stage 5, our students begin the process of thinking about their career, and work on the transferable skills required.”
Let’s plan your tomorrow, today
The Hunter Christian School Difference
A Nurturing and Supportive Community
Hunter Christian School offers a warm community and nurturing environment where your child and your family is known and valued. Our students experience a sense of belonging, ensuring that every student feels confident and motivated to reach their full potential.
Your Child's Success is Our Priority
At Hunter Christian School, we are on your child’s side. Our dedicated staff are not just educators, but mentors who go the extra mile to support your child’s academic, social and emotional growth. Your child’s education will be individually tailored to meet their unique needs, interests, and learning styles.
Affordable Private Education Without Compromise
We believe that a high-quality education should be accessible to all families with no compromise on quality. We work tirelessly to keep our all-inclusive tuition fees at the lowest possible level, recognising the sacrifices you make to provide your children with the best educational opportunities.
Discover alternate HSC pathways on offer!
Years 10-12 are a crucial time to explore your interests and lay the groundwork for your future career. At Hunter Christian School, our student careers program provides personalised guidance, workshops, and resources to help you discover your passions, build essential skills, and set realistic goals.
Whether you’re considering Vocational Education and Training (VET), a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT), gaining work experience, or entering the workforce directly, we are here to support you every step of the way. Begin shaping your future today with Hunter Christian School.
Our dynamic student career program is tailored to guide students toward fulfilling career paths. We offer personalised career counseling to help you explore different industries and uncover your strengths.
Through personalised advice and partnerships with industry leaders, our students gain hands-on experience and valuable insights into potential careers. We also provide resources for career planning and university applications, ensuring you are well-prepared for higher education, vocational training or the workforce.
At Hunter Christian School, we focus on holistic development, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to successfully pursue their chosen career paths.
School based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT)
What is a School Based Traineeship or Apprenticeship? (SBAT)
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) offer students a unique opportunity to combine their education with practical workplace experience. These programs are regulated under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001.
By participating in SBATs, senior students can gain a valuable head start on their chosen career while completing their HSC. They receive formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and practical on-the-job experience with an employer, acquiring essential skills and knowledge for their industry. Upon successful completion, students earn a nationally recognized VET qualification and HSC credit.
School-based trainees complete their entire traineeship by the end of their HSC year. School-based apprentices, on the other hand, finish the initial stage of their apprenticeship training during their HSC year and continue their apprenticeship beyond graduation.
How does it work?
School-based apprentices work part-time and undertake the first stage of their formal or off-the-job apprenticeship training while school based trainees work part-time and complete their formal or off-the-job traineeship training by the end of their HSC year. Basically, you’ll be at work one day per week, and at school 4 days per week. The work missed is expected to be caught up on. You will complete study (eg Certificate III) simultaneously so you get the theory and the practical.
Key components of an SBAT
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are made up of five key components:
- School Attendance:Students must actively participate in their school program while enrolled in a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship and fulfill all requirements for Stage 6.
- Paid Employment:Students are required to complete a minimum number of paid working days by December 31st of their HSC year. This requirement typically ranges from 100 to 180 days.
- Training:Students engage in both on-the-job training with their employer and off-the-job (formal) training. Formal training is provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) through a Board Developed or Board Endorsed VET course. To ensure timely HSC credit, school-based trainees and apprentices must complete their formal training component by the end of Term 3.
- National Qualification:Upon successful completion, students earn a nationally recognised industry qualification. Apprenticeships typically lead to a Certificate III qualification, while traineeships often result in a Certificate II or III.
- HSC Credit:The formal training component generally contributes a minimum of 4 units towards the HSC, typically spread over two years.
Industry-Based Learning course
School-based apprentices and trainees may also elect to undertake a Board Endorsed Course called Industry-Based Learning (IBL). IBL is only available to students who are completing an SBAT. In addition to the HSC unit credit for the course a student does as part of their SBAT, IBL can also contribute up to 4 units of HSC credit over two years.
Eligibility and study requirements
HSC Requirements
To be eligible for an SBAT, students must be enrolled in the HSC and meet HSC subject selection requirements. This means, students have a Preliminary pattern of study comprising at least 12 units and a HSC pattern of study comprising at least 10 units.
To qualify for the HSC / ATAR:
Basically, you have the HSC and the ATAR. These are two separate things. To be eligible to get a HSC, you need to have 12 units at Year 11, and 10 at Year 12. Some VET courses are Board Developed Courses (BDC) which means that they can get an ATAR as well. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/vet
Some are Board Endorsed Courses (BEC) which means that you still get the units towards your HSC, but they don’t count towards an ATAR. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/vet/stage-6-vet-board-endorsed-courses
You will need to decide if an ATAR is important to you or not. Any Certificate III automatically attracts a 67 equivalent ATAR recognised by a lot of universities. You need to figure out what your rough career plan is and if you are thinking about university. There are however, a myriad of ways to enter university, so if that is a concern, let’s have a chat.
Depending on what course you do, the provider will either be the AIS (if its an internal VET course – i.e. we run it at HCS) or through an RTO like TAFE. If you are doing it through the AIS, here is some valuable info:
https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/Resources/WAL%204%20%5BOpen%20Access%5D/SBAT%20Question%20and%20Answer.pdf
Considering an SBAT
Considering an SBAT?
Before enrolling, ask yourself:
- Interest: Is this a career I’m passionate about?
- Workload: Can I balance school, work, training, and other commitments?
- Support: Do I have a strong support system?
- Commuting: Can I reliably travel to work and training?
- Employer: Do I have a potential employer lined up?
If you can answer “yes” to most of these questions, an SBAT might be a fantastic choice for you.
Industry areas
School based apprenticeships are available in Automotive, Electrotechnology, Baking, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Wall and Ceiling Lining, Marine, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Carpentry, Horticulture, Roof Tiling, Meat Processing, Jewellery Manufacture, Locksmithing and more.
School based traineeships are available in Automotive, Dental Assisting, Electrotechnology, Baking, Beauty, Tourism, Retail, Floristry, Transport and Logistics, Education (Early Childhood), Construction, Beekeeping, Music Industry, Aged Care and more.
Finding the right SBAT
Students are advised to do research on a career that excites them, talk to the school Careers Adviser and explore the options.
The following websites have information to help them find the right SBAT for them.
Search for Apprenticeships
NSW Education – School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
Search for Traineeships
NSW Education – School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/students/career-and-study-pathways/school-based-apprenticeships-and-traineeships/traineeships
Watch school based apprentices discuss their experiences with the SBAT in NSW program
SkillsOne Future Skills
https://www.skillsone.com.au/vidgallery/nsw-sbats/
Watch apprentices and trainees provide advice about their careers and experiences
Training Services NSW Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL78g8-WmjFKvFrtgPCB5CalbSAJCX7MAh
Relevant parties
Implementing school-based apprenticeships and traineeships require a number of parties to work together.
- The school
- The parent / guardian
- The employer
- The Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
- Apprenticeship Network Provider
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network
You can find your nearest Apprenticeship Network Provider by visiting australianapprenticeships.gov.au
What is the process?
Step 1 – Find a willing employer
The student, with the support of their parent/carer and the school, finds a willing employer to take on a school based apprentice or trainee, and a relevant VET course that will be delivered by an RTO. This may be the School, TAFE or Private Provider
Step 2 – Employer completes questionnaire
The employer completes an Employer Questionnaire Checklist to indicate they are suitable to employ a school based trainee or apprentice. The form can be found at Education NSW Gov(opens in a new tab).
Step 3 – Complete an application
The school sources an Application to Establish a SBAT in NSW from the relevant RTO, also known as an EOI form. The school sends the completed EOI form back to the RTO so that the RTO can create a Training Plan.
Step 4 – Training Contract
A Training Contract is signed between the student apprentice or trainee and employer. A parent or guardian will also sign the contract if the student is under 18 years of age. This is prepared and lodged with Training Services NSW by the employer’s Apprenticeship Network Provider.
Step 5 – Training Plan
A Training Plan(opens in a new tab) is also prepared by the RTO and sent to the ANP. This Training Plan specifies the training organisation that will provide the formal training and the minimum employment requirements. This enrols the student at TAFE or Private Provider.
Step 6 – Enrol into VET course
Student, employer, school and AIS VET Consultant reviews, signs and approves the Training Plan. The school then enrols the student into relevant VET course with an authorised RTO.
Step 7 – Formalise SBAT
The ANP will arrange for all parties to attend a sign up meeting to formalise the SBAT.
Finding a willing employer
The first step in arranging a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship is for students to find a willing employer.
There are a few ways that a student or school can find a willing employer.
Where to find an employer
- The employer could be an existing employer from the student’s part-time job.
- They can be found through word of mouth or by connections.
- The employer or industry could be advertising for student apprentices or trainees.
- School Careers Advisor may have knowledge of willing employers.
- The student or school can contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network, who may help find suitable employers.
Please note: If a student can find an employer themselves, this is preferable and would speed up the process. Also, they potentially have a relationship with them, or have taken the initiative to seek this out, which employers love.
Employer Incentives
A range of government incentives are available to employers of registered apprentices and trainees at the commencement and completion of training.
Further information can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/apprentices-and-trainees/employers/funding-and-support
Found a willing employer?
- The student should ask the employer to complete theEmployer Questionnaire Checklistand return it to the school.
- Then the school should contact the relevant RTO and complete and submit an SBAT EOI form available from the RTO and the AIS website
- The nominated person from the RTO will make contact will the employer to confirm details and send a draft Training Plan for feedback.
Vocational Education Training (VET)
Your Path to Success
Vocational Education and Training (VET) offers a great way to explore diverse careers while earning nationally recognized qualifications. By combining VET with the Higher School Certificate (HSC), you can gain dual qualifications in your chosen field.
Benefits of VET
· Dual Qualifications: Earn both an HSC and a VET qualification.
· ATAR Boost: Some VET courses can contribute to your ATAR.
· Career Advantage: Gain a significant edge as you transition to further studies or the workforce.
Delivery Options:
· On-Site: VET courses can be taught directly at your school.
· External Provider: Or, you can study through an external provider.
We are governed by the AIS as our RTO for online site delivery of VET: VET Information – Association of Independent Schools
How to Apply
- Prepare a portfolio of evidence that supports your application, including:
- Submit evidence on letterhead or with the official seal from the applicant’s Local Aboriginal Land Council, which confirms the applicant’s First Nations Heritage.
- Submit the latest two school reports and NAPLAN test results.
- A personal statement (250 words max) or a video (2 minutes max) addressing the statement “What does my culture mean to me.”
- Submit Application: Complete the online scholarship application form available on the Hunter Christian School website. Ensure that all required documents are uploaded and submitted along with your application.
Work Experience Program
At HCS, we encourage students in Years 9-12 to undertake Work Experience at least once during their time at school. Students are able to identify a career that interests them and then work in that industry for a week. This continues to be an invaluable experience for our students, as they are able to see the reality of their chosen industry and engage in real world learning and problem solving.
Work Experience is the responsibility of the student to organise, and we are here to assist at any step of the process. We are incredibly thankful to the organisations that dedicate their time to assisting our students on their journey to discover their career aspirations.
Please see below for the forms for completion for undertaking Work Experience, and contact us at any stage for assistance and guidance.
Work Experience Process
Organising Work Experience
- Check with your parents and see if there are certain dates the you cannot undertake work experience (eg. Family holiday)
- Check on the school calendar if you have any excursions / camps / assessments due on any dates and make a list of your available dates.
- Where are you undertaking work experience? This is up to YOU to organise and make contact with the company directly. Please see a form below for examples of what to say. Call them directly.
- Once the employer has accepted having you for work experience, please forward the Host Employer Application. Once they have hit ‘submit’ it will come straight back to us. Click here to view our insurance certificate of currency
- In the mean time, please have your parents fill out the Work Experience – Parent Consent Form. When they hit ‘submit’ it will be forwarded to MCS.
- Put in your diary a record of dates.
- Congratulations – you have finished Step 1.
Undertaking Work Experience
- You must keep an electronic diary of your week of work. This is found below called Work Experience Diary. This is due back at the completion of your work experience.
- At some stage throughout the week, a staff member will contact your workplace either in person, via Zoom or phone to talk with both you and your employer about your performance so far, and discuss any possible issues. Teachers use this link: Work Experience – Teacher Check-In Form
- You must ensure that all work is completed in your absence.
Post work experience
- Employers to fill out the form Work Experience – Employer Evaluation Report
Transitioning to the Workforce
HCS aims to provide avenues of success, for all students . And say that we have specifically partnered with a local employment agency to provide the best opportunities for our students to achieve success as they transition into the next stage of life
Hunter Christian School has forged a strong partnership with Castle Personnel to offer qualifying students an opportunity to seamlessly transition from the classroom to the workforce, providing them with the best opportunities for professional growth.
Through this collaboration, students are granted access to a network of industry professionals who offer valuable insights and guidance on career choices. The ability for students to work one-on-one with a representative to explore career opportunities and undertake valuable work experience with diverse industries.
The collaboration with Castle Personnel also ensures that students receive up-to-date information on job market trends and requirements, keeping them competitive in ever-evolving industries. We work closely with agency representatives to tailor career plans to each student’s strengths and aspirations.
Overall, this strategic alliance empowers students to confidently embark on their professional journeys with a robust support system and a wealth of opportunities at their disposal.
Requirements
Students must recognise as a person with either:
- Disability;
- Injury and/or;
- Health condition
Eligible students must be NDIS supported or qualify to be recognised under Disability Employment Services (DES)
What is DES?
- Employment services for people with disability
- Disability Employment Services Participant Information Pack
What is NDIS employment services?
How to Apply
Want to know more?
For more detailed information, please contact us today via the form below