The three equally important components of the SBAT are:
- Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) – which requires students to attend their secondary school two days per week.
- Off-the-Job training – one day per week, or full week block release usually at a TAFE college.
Most SBATs complete their training at Certificate II level, while some students who have completed a certificate prior to joining the program will commence Certificate III (apprenticeship) studies. All SBATs complete their industry based Occupational Health and Safety module at the beginning of their off the job training.
- Employment - paid on the job training two or three days per week.
All SBATs learn on the job in their respective industries, however no host employer is responsible for the delivery or assessment of the training modules. Care is taken in the selection of host employers to ensure appropriate opportunities are provided for on-the-job learning.
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated interest in the chosen field
- Successful completion of one week of work experience in the chosen field, including “Safe at Work” training.
- Criteria prescribed by atEast, including: successful interview and attendance at prescribed meetings.
- Commitment to all three components of the program
- Satisfactory completion of the Orientation Program and pre-employment activities.
Payment of a $300.00 program fee and signing of a Program Agreement must also be completed prior to commencing the atEAST program.
Orientation
New SBATs undertake a two-day orientation program at the end of Year 10 which covers such issues as occupational health and safety, interview skills, resume writing, specific industry overview and requirements, rights and responsibilities.
Group Training Company
MEGT Australia is the official employer of most of the atEAST SBATs. MEGT provides a ‘hassle free’ employment for host employers as the administration component of employing SBATs is undertaken on their behalf, for example superannuation, taxation, workcover, sick leave, annual leave. MEGT has been in operation for over 20 years and in that time has established a significant database of host employers across a range of industries in the eastern suburbs.