Head Start Pilot Program
Head Start is a new Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) initiative for ACT public school students. It provides a tailored school-based apprenticeship and traineeship program that matches a students’ job interest with a local business in need of skilled workers. Head Start provides ASbA opportunities in ACT skills needs occupations and industry sectors targeted for future growth.
Students will participate in paid on-the-job training and employment while completing their ACT Senior Secondary Certificate. Students and their employers will receive ongoing support and mentoring from a dedicated Head Start team. Up to 50 places will be made available in the pilot program, commencing from Semester 2 in 2022.
Key features of Head Start
Head Start provides all the benefits of existing ASbA programs, with the added support of a dedicated Head Start team to provide tailored support for students and employers.
- Recruitment: Head Start provides a supported recruitment process to ensure the ‘best match’ for each student and employer.
- Pre-vocational training: Head Start students will complete a tailored pre-vocational training program before commencing their ASbA to ensure a successful transition into employment and training.
- Head Start Pathways Plan: Head Start students will develop industry skills and increase their employment prospects, while completing their ACT Senior Secondary Certificate. Head Start provides flexible school, work and training arrangements to meet the individual needs of students and employers.
- Support and mentoring: All Head Start students and their employers will receive ongoing support from a dedicated Head Start team including a Career Coach, Industry Coordinator, Social Worker and ASbA mentor.
What next?
Head Start places are advertised on each school’s Career Tools website. This includes information for students about how to submit an expression of interest for a Head Start position.
Head Start places are limited and there is expected to be strong interest in the program. Students should think about the types of industries/occupations and training pathways that they are interested in, and chat with their careers’ advisor, teacher or a support person in their school before applying for a Head Start position.
The Head Start team will work with each selected student and their family and school to make sure that Head Start is the right pathway for them.
Key dates
Head Start positions advertised (Round 1): 10 June 2022
Expressions of Interest for Head Start positions (Round 1) due: 24 June 2022
Head Start positions advertised (Round 2): Term 3 (date to be advised)
Further information
Information Sheet – Students 
(282kb)
Information Sheet - Schools (281kb)
Information Sheet – Employers (283kb)
For more information about Head Start please contact the Head Start team via email to careers@act.gov.au.