What are Group Training Organisations (GTOs)?
If you’re thinking of starting an apprenticeship or traineeship in Australia, you might have come across the term “Group Training Organisation” or GTO while exploring for more information.
But what is a group training organisation exactly? How is it any different from just getting hired directly by a company?
Let us break down the role of GTOs, how they work, and why they’re such a big part of the Australian training system for both apprentices and employers.
What is a Group Training Organisation and Its Purpose?
A GTO employs apprentices and trainees and then places them with host employers. Group Training Organisations take care of your payroll, leave time, and other entitlements, while your employer supervises and trains you.
The goal of Group Training Organisations is to make apprenticeships easier to access, manage, and complete. Plus, a GTO also helps businesses train the next generation of skilled workers without taking on all the HR responsibilities.
1300apprentice is one of the longest-running GTOs in Australia. We offer support across school-based apprenticeships, full-time trade careers, and traineeships in all sorts of industries.
How Do Group Training Organisations Operate?
Here’s how it works:
- The GTO employs the apprentice or trainee — you’re on our books, not the host’s.
- We match you with a host employer who will provide on-the-job training.
- We pay your wages, cover your insurance, manage your super, and pay your TAFE or RTO fees.
- Throughout your apprenticeship, your Apprentice and Trainee Officer will support you with check-ins, performance feedback, WHS, and personal development.
Want more insight into how GTOs deliver value? Check out our GTO Value Report Summary.
How Does a Group Training Organisation Benefit Apprentices and Employers?
If you’re wondering what it’s like to be an apprentice through a GTO like 1300apprentice, here’s what you can expect:
- Ongoing support: From your first day to your final assessment, your Apprentice & Trainee Officer is there to guide you.
- Stability: If your host can’t keep you on, a GTO will work to place you somewhere else, so your apprenticeship isn’t cut short.
- Financial support: We pay your TAFE or RTO fees upfront. No need for reimbursements or upfront costs.
- Mentoring and check-ins: We’ll help you stay on track and support you through any challenges with training or work.
- WHS training and compliance: We help create safe work environments by partnering closely with host businesses.
Read more about our apprenticeship programs to see where you could start.
Aside from benefits to apprentices, Group Training Organisations also take the stress out of hiring for businesses. When employers partner with a GTO, we:
- Handle all the admin — wages, payroll, super, leave, and TAFE fees are all managed by us.
- Find and screen candidates who match the trade’s needs and the business’ workplace culture.
- Provide performance monitoring and support to help apprentices succeed and stay engaged.
- Offer flexible options, like short-term placements and long-term workforce development.
- Connect employers with a wider pool of talent that includes school-based students, mature-aged apprentices, and people of diverse backgrounds and qualifications.
We also assess each apprentice’s motivation, workplace fit, long-term goals, and trade interest, so employers can make the right choice from day one.
Want to see how GTOs help employers find the right fit and manage apprentices effectively?
Learn more about our employer services here.
Is There a Difference Between Going Through a GTO vs Direct Employment?
| Feature | GTO | Direct Employment |
| Employment Responsibility | GTO is your legal employer. | You’ll work directly under the host employer. |
| Admin and Paperwork | Managed by the GTO. | Managed by the employer. |
| Ongoing Support | Dedicated field officers and WHS support. | It varies, depending on the employer. |
| Stability | You can be rehosted if need be. | There is a risk of losing the job if the business closes. |
| Training Costs | TAFE/RTO fees are covered by the Group Training Organisation. | TAFE/RTO fees are usually paid by the apprentice. |
FAQs
How do I apply for a GTO apprenticeship in Australia?
Applying for an apprenticeship through a Group Training Organisation is simple. At 1300apprentice, you can:
- Browse available apprenticeships and traineeships
- Submit your resume online
- Go through the skills matching process, meet our team, and meet your employer
The process is streamlined to help you get started sooner and with more support than applying directly to employers. You’ll also get assistance with paperwork, WHS, and training requirements right from the beginning.
Are GTOs only for certain trades or industries?
Not at all! Group Training Organisations support different kinds of apprenticeships and traineeships. This includes, but isn’t limited to, construction (e.g. carpentry, shopfitting, plumbing), automotive and mechanical, electrical and electrotechnology, engineering and drafting, business and IT, and horticulture and landscaping.
Some GTOs specialise in specific sectors, but 1300apprentice offers over 40 vocations across NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, and surrounding areas.
Can I do a school-based apprenticeship with a GTO?
Yes! Many GTOs, including 1300apprentice, support Australian School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (ASBA or SBAT). These allow you to start your apprenticeship while in senior high school, and combine classroom learning with hands-on, paid work. It’s a great way to explore career pathways early and transition into full-time work with confidence.
Do I still go to TAFE or an RTO with a GTO apprenticeship?
Yes! Whether you’re with a GTO or hired directly, off-the-job training is still a requirement. You’ll need to attend TAFE NSW or another Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The bonus of going through a GTO like 1300apprentice? We pay your course fees upfront, so you’re not chasing reimbursements or dipping into your own pocket.
Can I switch host employers during my apprenticeship with a GTO?
Yes, and that’s one of the biggest advantages of a GTO apprenticeship. If your host employer can no longer offer you work (due to project delays, business changes, etc.), 1300apprentice will help rehost you with another suitable employer. This kind of backup is rare in direct employment situations, which is why so many apprentices prefer the flexibility and security of the GTO model.
Find the Right GTO in Australia
You can find plenty of Group Training Organisations in Australia, and many are industry or region-specific. If you’re based in NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD or nearby, 1300apprentice has over 35 years of experience supporting thousands of apprentices across more than 40 vocations.
Reach out to us today or call us on 1300 277 736 to start your journey towards a fulfilling career.
