Group Training

What is Group Training?

Some organisations hire apprentices and trainees and place them with host employers. These organisations are called Group Training Organisations (GTOs). They operate across Australia with some specialising in particular industries, while others cover many.
GTOs complete employer duties, which include:

  • selecting and recruiting apprentices and trainees
  • paying wages, allowances, superannuation, workers compensation, sick/holiday pay and other employment benefits
  • managing the quality and continuity of training, both on and off the job
  • providing any care and support the apprentices needs to complete their training.

The goals of GTOs include:

  • create more employment opportunities for apprentices and trainees
  • provide for continuity of employment and training through to completion
  • improve the quality and range of training available to apprentices and trainees.

To achieve these goals, GTOs:

  • employ apprentices and place them with host employers
  • are responsible for meeting the employer obligations outlined in the Training Contract
  • manage and track arrangements with host employers
  • provide any necessary care and support throughout the apprenticeship.

Many GTOs also:

  • move apprentices and trainees between host employers to 
  • enhance their training experience, and
  • ensure they receive the full set of experiences needed to meet their required competencies
  • provide access to apprenticeships for those who may be hindered in the labour market; 
  • provide services to the community 
  • promote of vocational education and training 
  • encourage employment growth.

Is Group Training for my business?

Group Training can be particularly helpful to small and medium sized businesses that:

  • find committing to an apprenticeship difficult
  • lack the resources to manage an apprentice
  • are unable to provide the full on the job training required for an apprenticeship.

Where to next?