Introduction:

The SBAT program allows students to gain entry-level qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care) while completing their HSC, providing them with a qualification that can lead directly to employment as well as an opportunity to continue their learning pathway with advanced entry into university.

Dedicated mentors provide school-based trainees with solid support throughout the program, from sign-up to completion.

Training will be complemented by 100 days of paid on-the-job training across our St Nicholas Early Education centres.

Benefits:

As a School-Based Trainee, you will have access to a range of advantages, including:

A nationally recognised entry-level qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30125 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 pathway from school to a career

Paid on-the-job training

$1,000 staff referral bonuses ($1,500 for eligible positions)

Opportunities to demonstrate workplace skills and experience to prospective employers

Description:

POSITION DESCRIPTION

As a School-Based Trainee you are expected to be an active member of a team which provides high quality early childhood education and care to children. This includes:

Assisting children with activities and self-care requirements within the daily routine

Interacting and engaging in play with children

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

Willingness to undertake a CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Skills and Experiences:

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS





No prior qualifications required, must be a year 11 or 12 high school student in positive standing

Computer literacy in order to document examples of learning stories To undertake the Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care School-based Traineeship CHC30125

Working With Children Check Exemption Declaration or Valid Employee Working With Children Check

Must be enrolled and attending one of our Catholic Schools in the Dioceses of Maitland - Newcastle.

If this sounds like you then APPLY NOW.

Please refer to our How to Apply Guide for more information on an Early Childhood School-Based Traineeship.

Please note: ALL applicants must download, complete the cover letter template and upload this as part of their application.

To download our cover letter template, click HERE

Applications close: 11:59pm, Sunday 23rd August 2026.

Additional Information The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.

All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.

St Nicholas Pathways promotes the safety and wellbeing of children from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from people from culturally or linguistically diverse background.

St Nicholas Pathways promotes the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

📌 School Based Trainees - Maitland, Newcastle and Hunter Regions (Newcastle West)
🏢 Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
📍 Newcastle West