More Canberra students should consider Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbAs) to complement their studies, build rewarding careers, and meet ACT skills needs, the ACT Government says.

Head Start, launched this year, provides more flexible, tailored ASbAs that match students’ job interests with local businesses in need of skilled workers. Students can can trial a trade before they finish their formal education.

• ACT school student apprentices get a Head Start (8 September)

ASbAs are on the rise in ACT schools: 570 students started an apprenticeship in 2022 across a range of courses.

The summer break now gives more ACT students the chance to consider starting an ASbA when they return to school in the new year.

ASbAs fit into a student’s school study program, and can count towards their ACT Senior Secondary Certificate, education minister Yvette Berry said.

Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Skills, said ASbAs give students meaningful, hands-on experience across a range of industries.

“An ASbA offers students, aged 15 or over, the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised vocational qualification by combining paid work and structured off-the-job training, while continuing their school education,” Mr Steel said.

“Students can earn while they learn and can kick-start a career in industries such as building and construction, hairdressing, retail, information and communication technology, aged care, early childhood education and care, and hospitality.

“In some instances, particularly in traditional trades, students may start an ASbA while at school and transition into a full-time apprenticeship on completing Year 12, giving them a head start towards a qualification.”

Some trades offer students the opportunity to work on the ACT Government’s major infrastructure projects, like the future northside hospital, new CIT, or light rail to Woden.

Hannah Holford, an ACT local, was 2021 Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year. During the pandemic, she worked at the Baptist Care Carey Gardens nursing home, and completed her Certificate III in Individual Support, while studying at Lake Tuggeranong College. She graduated with both a VET and an ATAR.

• Class of 2021: Hannah Holford (23 January)

“I’m keen to use my youth to brighten the lives of elderly residents, and the ASbA has given me that opportunity while increasing my awareness of issues in the lives of the elderly,” she said.

“The training helped me feel more confident and comfortable in the workplace. It was delivered by people with real industry experience – which makes their knowledge authentic, relevant, and relatable.”

Joshua Haynes is this year’s ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year.

“I checked out the Certificate III in Plumbing at CIT, and quickly discovered one of the main benefits of being an apprentice plumber – learn while I earn,” he said.

“I knew that by doing an apprenticeship and studying through CIT, I’d have access to all the latest skills, knowledge, and training techniques, and have a great pathway to a job. I may even be able to own my own business one day.”

Earlier this year, the ACT Government launched Skilled to Succeed – a skills and workforce agenda for the ACT. Through this strategy, the government supports young people to combine training with their core education.

Students interested in studying an ASbA are encouraged to speak to their careers adviser or find out more information at act.gov.au/skills/students/starting-an-apprenticeship-at-school.