Sydney Catholic Schools is investing in its classrooms of today to grow the teachers of tomorrow, with the School-Based Education Support (SBES) Traineeship placing senior students in real school settings while they complete their HSC.

This program allows students to learn while they earn, gaining hands-on experience supporting students in real classrooms and achieving a Certificate III in School-Based Education Support in the process.

Since its launch two years ago, 13 Year 11 and 12 students are now participating in the Grow Your Own program, working across 12 primary schools in the Sydney Catholic Schools network. 

At the heart of the program is the vision of nurturing current students who may one day join the Sydney Catholic Schools community as Educators and Learning Support Officers. 

Graduates from the pilot program have already moved into active, casual employment within Sydney Catholic Schools while continuing their tertiary studies, and participation is set to grow further with future intakes.

The traineeship not only develops practical skills but also nurtures confidence, teamwork, and a passion for education. It is a unique opportunity for students to make a meaningful contribution to their school community while exploring future career pathways, perfectly showcasing the value of skills development during National Skills Week.

Lillie, a current trainee at St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School Malabar, said the traineeship had helped her grow in confidence, as well as develop greater respect for her own teachers and their work.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn new things and try something new. I have found it rewarding and have learned new communication and resilience skills. It’s given me a different perspective on how education can impact young lives,” Lillie said. 

Principals across Sydney Catholic Schools have also praised the program. Jackie Vella, Principal of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School Fairfield, says having SBES trainees in Kindergarten classrooms has been a valuable asset to both our students and staff.

“The trainees bring fresh enthusiasm and are gaining hands-on experience while supporting young learners in key areas such as phonics and numeracy. Their assistance with individuals and small groups allows our students to receive more targeted support,” she says.

“It’s a mutually rewarding experience with our school benefitting from the additional support, and the trainees developing essential skills and confidence for their future careers in education.”

Completing the SBES Traineeship equips students to work as Learning Support Officers within Sydney Catholic Schools, with opportunities to pursue further study such as a Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support, Diploma of Educational Studies, or a Bachelor of Education. 

Career pathways include Learning Support Officer, Education Support Worker, Home Tutor, Nanny, and Outside School Hours Care Assistant.

Sydney Catholic Schools encourages both students and school leaders to participate in this highly successful program. 

Celebrating National Skills Week across Sydney Catholic Schools

As part of National Skills Week, Sydney Catholic Schools will host a special celebration at its Head Office on Thursday, 28 August 2025, with The Hon. Steven James Robert Whan, MP; Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education in attendance.

The event will showcase the breadth of vocational pathways across our schools, including inspiring alumni stories, achievements from WorldSkills competitors, and recognition of students nominated for Regional Training Awards. Sydney Catholic Schools’ exciting Growing Our Own initiative will also be highlighted, along with tributes to teachers with 20 years of dedicated service in VET.

This celebration will highlight the transformative impact of vocational education and how Sydney Catholic Schools equips students with the skills, experience, and opportunities to thrive beyond the classroom.