Qld School Based Traineeships

What is a School Based Traineeship (SAT) ?

A School Based Traineeship (SAT) is a training pathway that allows high school students, generally in Years 10, 11 or 12, to begin working and training in a real job while they are still attending school. It combines paid employment, nationally recognised training, and secondary studies, giving students the opportunity to gain practical skills and experience in their chosen industry. Under a formal training contract, students work with an employer for a set number of hours each week and complete structured training delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The skills and knowledge they develop contribute towards a nationally recognised qualification and can also count towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

A school-based traineeship offers students the chance to “earn while they learn” and explore a career pathway before leaving school. It helps them build confidence, develop employability skills, and gain a head start in their chosen field. Many students continue their traineeship after school as full-time or part-time employees, using the experience and qualification gained to open doors to further study or future career opportunities.

How does a School Based Traineeship (SAT) work

A School Based Traineeship (SAT) works by combining three key elements — school, work, and formal training — into one coordinated learning pathway. Students remain enrolled in high school while working for an employer who provides paid, supervised on-the-job training. At the same time, the student completes nationally recognised training through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as the National Skills Training Institute. The RTO works closely with the employer, the student, and the school to develop a structured training plan that outlines what skills will be learned in the workplace and what will be taught through formal study.

The student’s school timetable is adjusted to accommodate their work and training commitments, often allowing one or two days per week for paid employment. The hours worked count toward completing the qualification, and the training contributes credits toward the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Throughout the traineeship, progress is monitored by the school and RTO to ensure the student is meeting learning outcomes and gaining valuable industry experience. Once the student completes school, they can continue the traineeship as a part-time or full-time arrangement until the qualification is achieved, giving them a strong foundation for future employment or further study.

ACM20121 Certificate II Animal Care - School Based Traineeship (Qld)

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is the ideal entry point for anyone wanting to begin a rewarding career with animals. Delivered online with practical training and work placement, this course builds essential animal care and workplace skills while preparing you for roles in shelters, clinics, grooming, and more—or as a pathway to higher study.

Traineeship Details

Duration: 1 Year (12 months)
Delivery Mode: Blended (Online and Work Placement)
Start Date: Enroll at any time
Fees: Study FREE under the Qld Government Career Start funding for School Based Trainees
Recognition: Nationally Recognised Qualification

Traineeship Overview

If you love working with animals and want to start a rewarding career in the animal care industry, the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is the perfect first step — and in Queensland, eligible high school students can complete this qualification as a School-Based Traineeship (SAT) with no student fees under Queensland Government funding.

As a school-based trainee, you’ll gain real industry experience working one day per week, or the equivalent of 375 hours (50 days) over each 12-month period, in an approved animal care workplace while continuing your high school studies. This gives you the opportunity to earn and learn — gaining nationally recognised skills that contribute towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) while building a foundation for your future career.

Delivered mostly online with structured workplace learning, this nationally recognised course develops your knowledge and skills in areas such as daily animal care routines, basic first aid, assisting with animal health care, and following ethical and humane handling practices. You’ll also build important employability skills, including communication, teamwork, workplace health and safety, and environmentally sustainable work practices.

Whether you’re completing the course as a school-based trainee or through a standard enrolment, this qualification provides the ideal starting point for a career in animal care and can lead to further study, including the Certificate III in Animal Care Services, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, or Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.

Traineeship Eligibility

Be enrolled in Year 10, 11 or 12 at a registered Queensland school (or registered for home education).
Be working towards Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or equivalent.
Have the school’s support for the traineeship.
Commit to the minimum paid work hours required as part of the traineeship.
Parental consent if under 18.

Qualification Units

ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry

ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines

ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals

ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals

ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes

BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills

ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid

ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility

ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs

ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs

ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats

Traineeship Work Commitments

You’re required to work a minimum of 7.5 hours per week, averaged over every three months, which equals at least 375 hours (or 50 days) per year. These work hours don’t include your study or training time with your training organisation. Your hours can be averaged throughout the year to allow for exam periods, holidays, or illness, and if you wish, you can work extra hours (such as on weekends or during school holidays) by agreement with your employer, parent or guardian, school, and training provider.

ACM30122 Certificate III Animal Care Services - School Based Traineeship (Qld)

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is the perfect step for anyone ready to advance their career working with animals. Delivered online with hands-on practical training, this nationally recognised course develops your professional skills in animal care, health, and welfare, preparing you for roles in veterinary clinics, grooming salons, shelters, and boarding facilities — or as a pathway to further study in specialised areas such as animal behaviour, training, or veterinary nursing.

Traineeship Details

Duration: 2 Year (24 months)
Delivery Mode: Blended (Online and Work Placement)
Start Date: Enroll at any time
Fees: Study FREE under the Qld Government Career Start funding for School Based Trainees
Recognition: Nationally Recognised Qualification

Traineeship Overview

The ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services offers Queensland high school students an exciting opportunity to begin a rewarding career working with animals through a School-Based Traineeship (SAT). Under Queensland Government funding, eligible students can complete this nationally recognised qualification with no student fees, combining school, work, and training in one flexible program.

As a school-based trainee, you will gain valuable hands-on experience by working in the animal care industry one day each week, or the equivalent of 750 hours (100 days) over 2 years, while continuing your high school studies. This allows you to earn and learn at the same time, gaining practical industry experience and nationally recognised skills that contribute towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

The course is delivered through a combination of online theory learning and structured workplace training, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly in real animal care environments. Throughout your traineeship, you will develop skills in animal handling, feeding and hydration, health monitoring, and basic first aid. You will also learn to follow ethical and humane care practices, implement hygiene routines, and understand workplace health and safety requirements.

In addition to animal care knowledge, you will strengthen your professional skills in communication, teamwork, customer service, and sustainability — all essential for success in the animal care industry. By the end of the program, you will be confident and job-ready to work in a range of animal care settings, including pet shops, grooming salons, animal shelters, boarding kennels, catteries, sanctuaries, and veterinary practices.

Delivered by the National Skills Training Institute, this qualification provides a strong foundation for future study and career growth. Graduates can choose to continue their education in specialised areas such as veterinary nursing, animal behaviour and training, or pet grooming, opening the door to a wide range of career pathways within the animal care and management industry.

Traineeship Eligibility

Be enrolled in Year 10, 11 or 12 at a registered Queensland school (or registered for home education).
Be working towards Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or equivalent.
Have the school’s support for the traineeship.
Commit to the minimum paid work hours required as part of the traineeship.
Parental consent if under 18.

Qualification Units

ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals

ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members

ACMGEN303 Assess welfare status of an animal

ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing for self and others in animal care workplaces

ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid

ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work

ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs

ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs

ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility

ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals

ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing

BSBCMM211 Apply Communication Skills

ACMGEN314 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work

ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats

ACMGEN205 Source And Provide Information for animal care needs

BSBOPS304 Deliver and Monitor a Service to Customers

Traineeship Work Commitments

You’re required to work a minimum of 7.5 hours per week, averaged over every three months, which equals at least 750 hours (or 100 days) over 2 years. These work hours don’t include your study or training time with your training organisation. Your hours can be averaged throughout the year to allow for exam periods, holidays, or illness, and if you wish, you can work extra hours (such as on weekends or during school holidays) by agreement with your employer, parent or guardian, school, and training provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a school-based traineeship work ?

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) allow high school students (usually in Years 10, 11 or 12) to earn a wage, train towards a nationally recognised qualification and study towards their Queensland Certificate of Education at the same time. Use your SAT to kick-start your career and learn invaluable, real-life workplace skills and hands-on industry experience.

Do I get paid as a trainee ?

Yes, as a school-based trainee, you are entitled to be paid for the work you perform as part of your traineeship. The pay you receive will depend on factors such as the industry, your age, and the level of qualification you are undertaking. The pay rates for school-based trainees are typically based on the relevant modern award or enterprise agreement that covers the industry. It’s important to note that the pay rates may vary, so it’s recommended to consult with your employer or relevant authorities to understand the specific wage conditions and entitlements applicable to your traineeship.

How does training work ?

The National Skills Training Institute will work with you and your employer to develop a personalised training plan that outlines what you’ll learn, when your training will take place, and how it will be delivered. All theory training is completed online, while practical skills are developed and assessed in your workplace under supervision.

Depending on your traineeship and course, you may complete your online theory training during a spare period at school each week, and your practical training in the workplace, with a trainer from the National Skills Training Institute visiting regularly to observe, support, and assess your progress.

Do I need to pay any fees for a School based Traineeship ?

No. If you meet the Queensland Government eligibility criteria for a school-based traineeship, you won’t have to pay any student co-contribution fees — your training is fully funded. This means the cost of your nationally recognised qualification is covered by the government, so you can focus on learning and gaining hands-on experience.

What career or study pathways can I take after completing the Certificate III in Animal Care Services?

Many students go on to entry-level roles in the animal care industry, such as working in pet shops, grooming salons, animal shelters, boarding kennels, catteries, sanctuaries, or veterinary clinics. This qualification gives you the practical skills and industry experience to start your career in caring for and handling animals.

You can also continue your studies to advance your skills and career opportunities. Popular training pathways include the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, or the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, depending on your career goals. These higher-level qualifications can lead to specialised roles such as dog groomer, veterinary nurse, animal trainer, or animal welfare officer.