School-Based Apprenticeships

School-based apprenticeships allow you to start your automotive career while still at school, combining paid work, vocational training and your SACE studies. MTA Training and Employment supports students, families and employers with practical pathways that turn your interest in cars, machinery and the automotive trade into a real career.

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Start a School-Based Apprenticeship

A school-based apprenticeship is a part-time apprenticeship that allows you to start your vocational training and earn a wage while completing secondary school. With MTA, you can begin building job-ready skills in the automotive industry and work towards a nationally recognised trade qualification before you leave school.

MTA’s school-based apprenticeships are designed to give students a supported pathway into the trade, with workplace experience, training at a Registered Training Organisation and ongoing guidance from MTA’s team. This pathway is ideal for students who want hands-on learning, a clear career direction and the chance to connect school with real work.

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Why Choose School-Based Apprenticeships?

School-based apprenticeships are a practical way to explore a trade while keeping your education on track. They suit students who want to learn by doing, build confidence in the workplace and graduate with a head start in the automotive industry.

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Benefits for Students and Employers

School-based apprenticeships are valuable for both students and employers because they create a supported early entry into the trade. Students gain experience and direction, while employers can develop future tradespeople who are already familiar with their business and workplace expectations.

Apprenticeships Overview Host An Apprentice

trainer and student at forklift training class

Train Your Apprentice

Support a student apprentice with MTA’s school-based pathway and help build skills early in their career.

Train Your Apprentice

Become An Apprentice

Start school-based apprenticeships while you finish school and begin earning workplace experience straight away.

Become An Apprentice

Host An Apprentice

Host a school-based apprentice and help shape the next generation of automotive tradespeople with MTA’s support.

Host An Apprentice

With MTA, school-based apprenticeships can help you:

Earn while you learn through paid employment with a host employer in the automotive industry.

Build hands-on experience while completing core SACE subjects at school.

Work towards a nationally recognised qualification with support from a dedicated field officer and experienced mentors.

For students who are still deciding which direction to take, MTA offers a range of automotive apprenticeships across light vehicle, heavy vehicle, agricultural, mobile plant, panel beating and painting.

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Entry Pathways and How to Apply

Students can begin a school-based apprenticeship through MTA by applying for one of the available automotive apprenticeships and joining a host employer arrangement. MTA works with industry contacts to help place suitable candidates and provide guidance through the process.

To get started, complete MTA’s Apprenticeship Application form and the team will help guide you through the next steps. If you want to discuss the right pathway for your situation, the team can also explain the difference between school-based apprenticeships and other options.

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automotive school programs and vetro pathways

For students, school-based apprenticeships can help you:

Start Early
Get a head start on your trade career while still at school.

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secure a career in the automotive industry by starting at school

Gain Real Experience
Build practical skills in the workshop and learn how the industry works from day one.

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Earn a Wage
Receive pay while training and working toward your qualification.

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For employers, school-based apprenticeships can help you:

Develop Future Talent
Build relationships with young people who may become long-term employees.

Host An Apprentice

trainer and students during hybrid and battery electric training course

Support Skills Growth
Help shape the future workforce through mentoring and on-the-job training.

Host An Apprentice

Access MTA Support
Work with MTA’s network, field officers and industry-led training environment.

If you are considering hosting a student apprentice, you can also learn more about how MTA supports businesses through ourTrain Your Apprentice page.

Host An Apprentice

Training Model and Supervision

MTA’s school-based apprenticeships are built around a balance of school, work and training. Students complete off-the-job training through an RTO while gaining practical experience in a host business and continuing their school subjects.

This pathway is supported by:

A host employer in the automotive industry.
Regular visits from a dedicated field officer.
Access to qualified mentors and support services.
Training at MTA’s industry-led facility at Royal Park.

The model is designed to help students progress steadily, stay supported and move confidently toward their qualification.

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Entry Pathways and How to Apply

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Course Overview

MTA offers school-based apprenticeships across a range of automotive trades, including light and heavy vehicle, vehicle painting, and body repair. These pathways allow students to begin training in a trade area that suits their interests and strengths.

Because school-based apprenticeships are flexible, they can suit students who want to start early while keeping future study and career options open.

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Entry Criteria

Entry requirements can vary depending on the trade and school arrangement, but generally students need to be enrolled in secondary school and ready to balance work, training and study. MTA and the school work together to support the right fit for the apprenticeship pathway.

Eligibility for school-based apprenticeships generally requires that you:

Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Be in Year 11 or higher.
Successfully complete MTA’s pre-selection test and interview process.
Meet literacy and numeracy requirements through an assessment.

A literacy and numeracy assessment forms part of the enrolment process to ensure you meet the minimum required levels. Funding through the South Australian Department for Education requires you to meet a minimum standard; if you are below this level, you will be referred to a provider to access a foundation skills course or foundation skills bridging units.

Individuals seeking access to a Certificate II or III subsidised training place or a Jobs First Employment Project must demonstrate they are at Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Exit Level 2 in reading and numeracy.

MTA can guide families and students through the process so they understand what is involved before signing up.

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traininag an industry apprentice at automotive business workshop

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you already have experience through school work placements, industry exposure or previous training, MTA may be able to consider that as part of your pathway. Recognition of Prior Learning can help identify what you have already achieved and where additional training may be needed.

This can be especially helpful for students who have already completed related school subjects or work experience in the automotive sector. It helps keep the pathway focused on the skills you still need to complete your qualification.

Why Choose MTA Training and Employment

MTA Training and Employment is South Australia’s dedicated automotive training provider, with strong industry connections and a practical training model. Students benefit from MTA’s support, workplace access and will follow a pathway that is built around real automotive careers.

Choosing MTA means you have a team that can connect you with host employers, support your learning and help you move from school into a trade career. MTA provides training at its Royal Park facility and works across metropolitan and regional South Australia.

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Employment Opportunities

School-based apprenticeships can lead into a wide range of automotive careers depending on the trade you choose. The pathway is designed to help students move from school into work with a stronger understanding of the industry and clearer career options. Potential career areas include:

Light vehicle, heavy vehicle, agricultural and mobile plant mechanical trades.
Automotive electrical work.
Vehicle painting and body repair.
Auto parts interpreting and customer service roles.

With experience, these pathways can lead to further training and long-term careers in the automotive industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Key Apprenticeship Program?

The Key Apprenticeship Program is a school-based pathway that helps students begin a trade while still completing school. It combines work, training and school so students can start building a career early.

Do school-based apprentices get paid?

Yes, school-based apprentices are employed and receive a wage while they work and train. This means students can earn while they learn and gain valuable workplace experience at the same time.

Is it worth doing a school-based apprenticeship?

Yes, school-based apprenticeships can be a great way to get ahead if you want a practical career and early experience in the trade. They help students build skills, confidence and a stronger pathway into full-time employment after school.

Not sure which automotive career is right for you?

We’re happy to talk through the details of each trade to help you decide.

To enquire about MTA apprenticeships, complete our enquiry form, call 8241 0522 or email careers@mtasant.com.au.

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