A Group Training Organisation (GTO) helps employers host apprentices and trainees—while providing structured employment, administration, and support.
This can make it easier for businesses to build talent pipelines without carrying all of the admin and compliance workload alone.
Want support to host apprentices or trainees? Learn more about Group Training Organisation (GTO) services.
Key takeaways
- In a typical GTO model, the GTO employs the apprentice/trainee and the host employer provides day-to-day work and supervision.
- GTOs can reduce administration and improve support, which helps retention and completion outcomes.
- Good placements depend on clear work scope, consistent supervision, and aligning workplace tasks to training outcomes.
What is a GTO (simple definition)?
In a typical GTO model:
- The GTO employs the apprentice/trainee, and
- host employers provide the day-to-day work and supervision.
The goal is to provide stable employment and structured training pathways, while supporting host employers with administration and program support.
How it works for host employers
Host employers typically:
- Provide meaningful work and supervision
- Support training time and development (as applicable)
- Follow safety and workplace standards
- Give feedback on performance and progress
The GTO typically supports:
- Employment administration
- Coordination of training arrangements
- Program support and pastoral care
- Compliance requirements (varies by program and jurisdiction)
How it works for apprentices and trainees
Apprentices and trainees typically get:
- Paid work while training
- Structured support and progress tracking
- A clear pathway to build experience and skills
For training pathways and options, see training services.
Why employers use a GTO model (benefits)
- Reduced administrative load
- Access to a broader talent pipeline
- Structured support that can improve retention
- Simpler scaling during peaks (where applicable)
- Better alignment between work experience and training outcomes
Steps to get started (employers)
1) Define the role and pathway
- What work will the apprentice/trainee do weekly?
- What supervision is available?
- What skills should they build in the first 3 months?
2) Confirm capacity to support
- Supervisor time
- Onboarding plan
- Safe work environment and standards
3) Align training and workplace experience
- Ensure the work provides real learning opportunities.
- Schedule training time and avoid last-minute cancellations.
4) Measure retention and progress
- Early check-ins (first week/month)
- Clear feedback and a simple development plan
Steps to get started (jobseekers)
1) Choose your direction
Understand the difference between apprenticeships and traineeships: apprenticeship vs traineeship (Australia).
2) Build your basics
- Reliable attendance
- Willingness to learn
- Safety mindset
- Clear communication
3) Apply and be ready to start
You may need quick turnaround on documents and licences/tickets (role dependent), plus onboarding steps.
Related training services
- GTO: Group Training Organisation
- RTO: Registered Training Organisation
- NETTS: NETTS
Related reading
FAQ
Does a GTO guarantee a job at the host employer?
Outcomes vary by program and employer needs. The focus is on building skills and work experience through structured placement.
Is a GTO only for apprenticeships?
Many GTOs support both apprenticeships and traineeships.
Next step
Learn more about hosting apprentices and trainees through a GTO: Group Training Organisation (GTO).
General information only: this article provides general information and is not legal advice.
