School Based Traineeships
As a school-based trainee in the Tasmanian State Service, you get to learn, train, and work all at the same time. This means you can earn a nationally recognised qualification while also getting real‑life work experience.
A traineeship isn’t just about studying. It gives you the chance to:
- Gain a qualification in something you’re interested in
- Learn practical skills by doing real work
- Open the door to future jobs or more study opportunities
It’s a great option if you learn best by getting hands-on and trying things out.
Applications for the 2027 School-Based Trainee Program will open in August 2026
To hear about other traineeship opportunities with the Tasmanian State Service, please subscribe to our job mail alerts under the category 'Cadet/Trainee'.
Why a school based traineeship?
A school‑based traineeship is a great opportunity for both you and the Tasmanian State Service. We offer traineeships in different areas each year so they match the skills workplaces need. Many past trainees say the experience boosted their confidence, helped them earn a valuable qualification, and inspired them to keep studying or start a career.
When you finish your traineeship, you’ll be in a strong position to look for work, choose further study, or decide what you want to do next.
What’s in it for you?
School‑based traineeships give Grade 11 and 12 students a pathway into future jobs or study. You’ll get:
- A nationally recognised qualification
- Real experience in a workplace
- Support and training while you learn
- Great working conditions and a supportive team
- A chance to build confidence and grow your technical and people skills
Meet some former Trainees
Jarrad
Trainee Education Support Assistance, Edith Creek Primary School, Department of Education
Gracie
Trainee Kitchen Operations, Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority
Rachell
Trainee Administration Assistant, Water and Marine Resources, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Jessica
Trainee Wildlife Officer, Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Grace
Trainee Administration Assistant, Payroll Services, Department of Health
Who should apply
We’re looking for students who:
- Are starting Grade 11 or 12 at a Tasmanian school
- Are keen to complete a VET qualification through a traineeship
- Like the idea of learning on the job and building real, practical skills
- Can bring their own experiences, ideas, and perspectives to the workplace, helping us better represent the community we serve
There are also traineeships specifically for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students. To apply for these, you need to meet the requirements of Aboriginality. You can find more information by visiting Aboriginal Partnerships.
How to apply
If you want to hear about other traineeship opportunities with the Tasmanian State Service, you can subscribe to our job mail alerts under the category 'Cadet/Trainee'.
The application process
We’ve made applying for a School‑Based Traineeship as easy as possible. We know many students don’t have much work experience yet, and that your skills are still growing.
Your online application will ask for:
- Your answers to a few short questions
- Information about your school
- Your preferred work locations
- Contact details for two referees
For advice on how to approach your application, see below.
Assessment process
We've kept the application process simple. You'll provide your details and the details of two referees, and complete five short-answer questions. Agencies will then shortlist the candidates and reach out for interviews. Don't worry if this is your first job interview! We'll keep things quick and if you need some help, you can reach out.
How to submit your application:
- You’ll answer five short‑answer questions and provide your details and referees.
- Agencies will review applications and shortlist candidates.
- If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited for a quick interview.
Don't worry if this is your first job interview, we’ll guide you through it! If you have any questions or need technical help, you can email ssmo@dpac.tas.gov.au and we will get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
School Based Traineeship
What is a School-Based Traineeship?
A School-based Traineeship allows you to combine paid work, training and education to gain a nationally recognised qualification and practical work experience.
How many hours per week will I work?
During the school term, you can work between 7.5 to 15 hours per week. You can discuss which days will be best for you and the workplace prior to commencing your traineeship.
During school holidays you may be able to work up to an average of 25 hours per week in any one school holiday period. However, you may not exceed a total of 900 hours of work in any one year.
How much time will I spend at school?
You will attend school when timetabled to do so and can choose to study subjects that are complementary to the traineeship qualification and contribute to the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE).
What qualification/training will I get?
Each traineeship will have either a Certificate II or III qualification which you complete over the course of your traineeship.
A Training Plan will be developed with the workplace and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) who is responsible for the training and assessment against the requirements of the qualification. There may be a combination of both on the job and off-site training.
Eligibility
How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
To qualify for a School-based Traineeship in 2027 you must:
- Be enrolled to start Grade 11 in 2026; OR be commencing Grade 12 in 2027 at a Tasmanian school;
- Participate in a Certificate II or III in the relevant vocation commencing in 2027.
I am due to graduate grade 12 at the end of 2026, am I able to apply?
No, as you will no longer be a school student in 2027.
I am located in another State or Territory, am I eligible to apply?
You must be enrolled in a Tasmanian school for Grade 11 or commencing Grade 12 at a Tasmanian school in 2027, to be eligible. We will confirm the school information you provide to ensure that you are a current Tasmanian student.
Application Process
What do I need to do to apply?
Applications will be submitted online via the job advert; you will be prompted to create an applicant profile that you will log into to submit your application. Once you login, you will need to complete the online application form which includes:
- a few questions about your consent, eligibility, work location preferences and school
- a section to indicate which traineeship(s) you are interested in
- application questions
- uploading a resume; and
- providing referee details.
How long will I have to complete my application?
Once the traineeships are advertised, you will have approximately five weeks to submit your application.
Who will assess my application?
The Program is coordinated by the State Service Management Office (SSMO) within the Department of Premier and Cabinet. SSMO will advertise all the traineeships that are available across the State Service and once the application process is closed, will forward your application onto the workplace that has a traineeship.
Starting your traineeship
If successful, when will I start my traineeship?
We aim to let all applicants know if they have been successful in securing a traineeship before the end of the school year. This will allow successful students to adjust their school subjects (if needed) to align with or support their qualification. All trainees will be onboarded and enrolleded in their Certificate by January/February 2027.
Can I choose where I want to work?
Within the application form you will have the option to select your preferred work location(s), we would encourage you to consider several options that might work for you to give yourself the best chance of gaining a traineeship opportunity.
Can I choose which Agency I want to work in?
Not really. This will depend on the locations you can work in and the preferences you nominate, which will then determine which traineeships are available to you.
Other Queries
How long will does the traineeship go for?
You will be employed with us for the time estimated in your traineeship agreement that it will take you to complete your qualification. This will vary depending on the Certificate you are enrolled to complete.
How much will I get paid?
As a trainee, you are paid under the Tasmanian State Service National Training Wage Award. There is a set pay rate for those in Grade 11 and a slightly higher rate for those in Grade 12. The Tasmanian State Service pays employees on a fortnightly basis directly to your preferred bank account.
What would happen if I do not complete my Certificate?
When you are offered a traineeship there is an expectation and agreement that you will complete your qualification and gain your certificate. If you find you are struggling, there are many support options available to you. We will work with you, the training organisation and your school to assist you in completing the course.
I don’t have a resume, where can I get help?
We have some tips on preparing a resume on our How to apply page . We also recommend getting support from someone – potentially a family member, or teacher or there are many sample resume templates that you can find online.