MONARO High School student, Riley McKenzie, will graduate in two years with not one but two qualifications under his belt.

Taking part in the school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBAT) program, Riley has been employed by Salvestro Developments as a school-based apprentice, completing Certificate III in Carpentry.

Riley will work one day a week on site and one day at Cooma TAFE to complete his certificate with other first-year apprentices. He will attend school the other three days a week to complete his Higher School Certificate (HSC). When leaving Year 12, Riley will have a valuable head start in his career, launching straight into the second year of his apprenticeship.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are available in a range of industry areas through Monaro High School. Across the state, SBATs are available to Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students undertaking the HSC. The program allows students to commence an apprenticeship or complete a traineeship while at school.

An SBAT combines paid work, training and school. Students gain an industry-recognised national qualification and achieve credit towards the HSC. Some apprenticeships and traineeships contribute towards the ATAR.

Monaro High School principal James Armitage says SBATs are really valuable to students.

“SBATs are a great opportunity for setting students up with options once they graduate. Getting a head start on a trade is really valuable, but it also gives them the opportunity to complete their HSC and obtain an ATAR, which opens the door for university education as well, ” Mr Armitage said.

“We’d like to thank Ricky Salvestro for his support of Riley, helping him to achieve his career goals. If any employers are interested in taking on a school-based trainee one day a week, please contact the school.”

Mr Salvestro said while he has taken on many apprentices from Monaro High School over the years, Riley is the first to go through the SBAT program with him.

“I think it is a great program for the kids,” Mr Salvestro said.

“It really gets them off and running once they’ve finished school.

“Riley did some work experience outside of school with me last year, and he’s a good young kid.”