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Early Childhood School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) program

Accelerate your career journey by studying an entry-level qualification in early education and care while completing your HSC
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About the program

The St Nicholas Pathways’ Early Childhood School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) program allows year 11 and 12 students to gain entry-level qualifications in early education and care (CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care). While completing their HSC, students will gain a qualification that can lead directly to employment, as well as an opportunity to continue their learning pathway with advanced entry into university. 

Apply now

How to apply

Download our ‘How to Apply for an Early Childhood School-Based Traineeship’ guide for students. This resource provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to apply for an SBAT position through St Nicholas Pathways.

Applications for our Early Childhood School-Based Traineeship program are now open.

Download
  • Responsibilities and selection criteria
  • Benefits
  • Career and study pathways
  • Macquarie Community College

Responsibilities of a St Nicholas Pathways school-based trainee include:

  • Assisting children with experiences and self-care requirements within the daily routine 
  • Following hygiene and safety procedures and using initiative to address areas needing attention 
  • Following the guidance and directions of your mentor/room leader to contribute to the planning and documentation of children’s learning 
  • Working as part of a team to ensure the positive implementation of policies and associated procedures.

An early childhood school-based trainee (SBAT) interacting with a child at a St Nicholas centre

Selection criteria for a St Nicholas Pathways school-based trainee includes:

Passion for early education – Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for working with young children, showing a genuine desire to pursue a career in early education.

Effective communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and interact with children, colleagues, and parents in a professional and respectful manner.

Team player – Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, contributing ideas, supporting colleagues, and actively participating in group activities.

Reliability and punctuality – Track record of being punctual, dependable and committed to fulfilling responsibilities and tasks consistently.

Adaptability – Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, handle unexpected situations and remain flexible in a dynamic educational environment.

Attention to detail and organisation – Strong observational skills, paying attention to the specific needs of individual children and demonstrating an organised approach to work.

Willingness to undertake a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. 

Benefits of a St Nicholas Pathways school-based traineeship include: 

  • A nationally recognised entry-level qualification in early education and care (CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care) 
  • Fast-track post-secondary studies, potentially costing less time and money to obtain further qualifications in the sector 
  • A direct pathway from school to a career 
  • Paid on-the-job training at a St Nicholas Early Education centre or St Nicholas OOSH service
  • Dedicated mentors provide school-based trainees with solid support throughout the program, from sign-up to completion
  • Opportunities to demonstrate workplace skills and experience to prospective employers. 

*Training provided by Macquarie Community College (RTO ID: 90033). 
NSW learners may be eligible for subsidies under NSW Smart and Skilled Entitlement training programs. 
This training is subsidised by the NSW Government. 
Unit/s will be delivered by an agent under a third-party arrangement. 

An early childhood school-based trainee (SBAT) interacting with a child at a St Nicholas centre
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)
  • Educator

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)
  • Educational Leader 
  • Nominated Supervisor 
  • Director

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or Primary Teaching
  • Director 
  • Early Childhood Teacher 
  • Early Childhood Specialist 
An early childhood school-based trainee (SBAT) interacting with a child at a St Nicholas centre, supervised by a qualified educator
About Macquarie Community College

Macquarie Community College (RTO ID: 90033) is a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that has set the standard in adult community education since their beginnings in 1950. They offer a range of accredited and non-accredited courses designed to offer their clients flexible, quality education and training to enhance their skills, career opportunities, participation, and connections in community. 

To learn more about Macquarie Community College, click here. 

Make an enquiry

  • Early Education
  • OOSH
  • Pathways
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By entering your details you are registering your interest in enrolling your child. One of our friendly staff will be in touch shortly.

 

Are you interested in Before and After School Care or Vacation Care?

 

Before and After School Care

Vacation Care

 

Submit a booking request for Before and After School Care or Vacation Care. One of our friendly team members will be in touch as soon as possible.

Please note:

  • Submitting a booking request or enquiry does not constitute a confirmed booking. No booking is confirmed until you have received email confirmation from St Nicholas.

  • For casual and Vacation Care bookings, we have a 5-day cancellation policy, after which the parent/carer will be liable for their full fees for that session. For permanent bookings, we have a 2-week cancellation policy.

  • One-off cancellations for permanent bookings still require the parent/carer to pay their full fees for that session, unless the cancellation is permanent, in which case the family will forfeit their permanent place for that session.

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Please fill out the form with your details and preferred study program. One of our friendly staff will be in touch shortly.

Testimonials

‘The trainers are so supportive and knowledgeable. I know I can approach them for whatever I need and they’ll always do their best to help me.’

Georgia Pathways Student

‘St Nicholas Pathways has enabled me to fast-track my dream of becoming an educator.’

Kayla Pathways Student

‘The Immersion program has been amazing to be able to get a taste of what it’s like to work in early childhood. I now know this is the career path for me.’

Steph Pathways Student

‘St Nicholas supported me for the entirety of my work-based traineeship. I’m now one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a Centre Director.’

Talia Pathways Student

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