If you’re looking for a career, Group Training may be for you. The term Group Training may not sound familiar to you, but it’s really quite simple. Group Training is a training and employment arrangement where an organisation, known as a Group Training Organisation (GTO), employs apprentices and trainees and places them with “host employers” until the apprenticeship or traineeship has been completed.
- Earn while you learn
- Be awarded with a nationally certified qualification
- Receive ongoing mentoring and support
Around Australia, there are over 30,000 trainees and apprentices in a variety of industries who are employed under a Group Training arrangement.
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).
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.
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.
Why Should I Complete an Apprenticeship or Traineeship with a GTO Compared to Going Direct to an Employer?
- Firstly, when you contact a GTO, you have access to unbiased information and assistance in finding the right apprenticeship or traineeship for you. So a GTO is a great place to start
- GTOs have vast industry experience and connections. With a GTO, you have more choice and opportunities – you have acess to a wide variety of host businesses rather than a single position
- You receive ongoing mentoring and support by highly qualified and dedicated Group Training Consultants who are committed to ensuring the best fit between apprentices/trainees and host employers
- You can gain extra skills and experience by changing your host business during your apprenticeship or traineeship
- GTOs can act as a mediator to resolve any workplace disputes or issues you may have with your apprenticeship/traineeship. They can also provide an alternative placement if this becomes necessary
- If you’re an exceptional talent, you may be recognised through GTO state and national awards schemes and can participate in a national career development and leadership program
- Remember, you get all of these services and you don’t have to pay a cent!
Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ apprentices and trainees and place them with host businesses (host employers). As the legal employer, the GTO organises your training and looks after your wages, workers compensation and other employee benefits.
Most importantly they monitor your progress and offer support along the way. With a GTO, you are always paid correctly and will always have meaningful work.
Your GTO will provide a range of services to you:
- Allocate a dedicated support person (Group Training Consultant) to provide assistance if you have any issues
- Organise your off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or TAFE and ensure your learning is on-track and up-to-date
- Monitor your progress and offer support as you need it
- Ensure you receive all your entitlements in accordance with the Award and other agreements
- Handle all of the administration and government paperwork for the life of your training contract
- Provide safety equipment and WHS training before you start work
GTOs operate in city and regional areas throughout Australia and are active in most industries – automotive, construction, electrical, plumbing, engineering, horticulture, community services, retail, hospitality, business administration and more. They have far reaching connections with employers and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Some GTOs specialise in servicing specific industries (such as hospitality, plumbing, electrical) while others focus on regions.
There are 17 member Group Training Organistaions in South Australia. You can contact any of these depending on your needs or location.