What is a Group Training Organisation?

If you’re looking for a career, Group Training may be for you!

Group Training is a structured training and employment model where a Group Training Organisation (GTO) employs apprentices and trainees under an Apprenticeship/Traineeship Training Contract and places them with host employers.

As the legal employer, the GTO organises your training and looks after your wages, workers’ compensation and other employee benefits. They also provide essential care and support to help achieve the successful completion of the training contract.

GTOs operate in city and regional areas throughout Australia and are active in most industries – including automotive, construction, electrical, plumbing, engineering, horticulture, community services, retail, hospitality, business administration and more.

As a registered GTO, they uphold a high standard of quality for every apprentice, trainee, and host employer.

The Benefits of Group Training

If you’re considering an apprenticeship or traineeship, it can be difficult to know where to start.

GTOs can relieve the headache and can guide you in your choice of what apprenticeship or traineeship opportunity may best help you achieve the career and lifestyle you desire.

If you enter into a Group Training arrangement, your GTO assumes responsibility as your employer and will ensure you are placed with a suitable host employer for the length of your apprenticeship or traineeship. The GTO will maintain the quality and continuity of your employment and training and manage the additional care and support necessary for you to successfully complete your Training Contract.

You earn a wage while gaining valuable skills and experience.

Allocate a dedicated support person (Group Training Consultant) to provide mentoring support and assistance if you have any issues.

If work with a particular host employer becomes unavailable, you will not face unemployment. As a GTO employee, you will be placed with another host employer to ensure the continuity of your apprenticeship or traineeship (where possible).

You have the flexibility to rotate among different host employers, gaining diverse experience across various work environments.

Your wage and allowances are managed and paid by the GTO in accordance with relevant Awards and agreements.

The GTO manages all administrative tasks and government paperwork on your behalf.

Coordinate your off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or TAFE and ensure your learning is on-track and up-to-date to ensure a smooth learning experience.

The GTO will provide you with the necessary PPE, safety equipment, and inductions at the commencement and throughout the duration of your apprenticeship / traineeship.

Group Training Organisations (GTOs) historically have higher completion rates for apprenticeships and traineeships.

Your training may qualify for a government subsidy, helping to reduce the cost of your apprenticeship or traineeship to the GTO and host.

The Group Training Approach

When you enter into a Group Training Contract, you’ll be at the centre of an effective support structure between your Group Training Organisation (GTO), host employer and your Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Click on the diagram to view it in full-screen.

Wages and Conditions

Apprentices and trainees are generally covered by the same employment conditions as other employees. However, they are also subject to the conditions of their training contract. The training contract is an agreement that the apprentice or trainee and their employer sign detailing the workplace based training that will be provided. It also confirms any off-the-job training which is delivered by an RTO. GTOs can provide details of the pay rates and conditions by industry.

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