Group training explained
What is group training?
Group training is a way to take on an apprentice or trainee without becoming their employer. A group training organisation (GTO) employs the apprentice / trainee and places them with a suitable host business, which provides the work and on-the-job supervision by a qualified trades person
How group training works in Queensland
In a standard apprenticeship / traineeship, the business hires the apprentice / trainee directly and takes on everything that comes with being an employer. With group training, there are 5 parties, each with a clear role:
The GTO
is the legal employer.
The host employer
provides the work.
A registered training organisation (RTO)
such as TAFE, delivers the formal training.
The apprentice / trainee
learns on the job and at trade school.
The Department (DTET) Department of Trade Employment and Training
A training contract is signed and registered with the Queensland Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET). They administer the apprenticeship or traineeship, provide support and more information about apprenticeships and traineeships and issue the qualification on successful completion
Who employs the apprentice / trainee?
The GTO does. It recruits the apprentice / trainee, signs the training contract with them, and pays their wages, super and workers' compensation insurance (WorkCover). The host business doesn't add the apprentice / trainee to its own payroll. Instead, it pays the GTO a charge-out rate for the hours the apprentice / trainee works there.
The host employer's role
- Provide real work in the trade, with safe, suitable qualified supervised on-the-job training
- Keep the worksite safe, and induct the apprentice / trainee
- Sign off timesheets, and communicates with the GTO on a regular basis
- Pay the GTO's charge-out invoice
- Allow the field officer to conduct site visits every 4 – 6 weeks
- Release the apprentice or trainee to off the job block training
The group training organisation's role
- Employ the apprentice / trainee: wages, super, leave and WorkCover
- Sign and manage the training contract, and arrange the training with an RTO
- Monitor progress through field visits, and support both the apprentice / trainee and the host
- Look for another host if a placement ends, so the apprentice / trainee can keep going
- Meet the National Standards for Group Training Organisations. In Queensland, GTOs are recognised under the Further Education and Training Act 2014 and audited against those standards.
The apprentice's / trainee's role
- Turn up on time every day, ask questions, follow instructions, enjoy your work and learning, work safely
- Attend off job training as required by the RTO training, and complete their coursework
- Communication is the key please reach out if you have any questions or concerns
FAQs
Is group training the same as Labour hire?
Not quite. In Queensland, a GTO that places apprentices / trainees with hosts is treated as a labour hire provider and must hold a labour hire licence. Unlike general labour hire, though, a GTO's main job is to support and mentor apprentices and trainees through to a qualification. It manages the training contract, monitors progress and supports the apprentice / trainee the whole way. Hosts can check a provider's licence on the Queensland public register .
Who pays the apprentice / trainee?
The GTO pays the apprentice's / trainee's wages under the relevant award or enterprise agreement. The host pays the GTO.
What does the charge-out rate cover?
It's usually one hourly rate covering wages, super, leave, WorkCover and the GTO's costs. Rates vary between GTOs and trades, so ask for a quote.
What happens if the host runs out of work?
The GTO can rotate the apprentice / trainee to another host, so their apprenticeship / traineeship continues. Notice terms vary between GTOs generally 2 weeks notice.
Can school students do group training?
Queensland has school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, which allow students in Years 10–12 start a trade while still at school.
How do I check whether a GTO is recognised?
DTET publishes a list of GTO contact details on its website.
Thinking about hosting an apprentice / trainee?
Talk to AATMS about how it could work for your business.