What is group training?
Group training is a great alternative for small and medium-sized businesses which:
- cannot offer an apprentice a permanent position because they can’t guarantee ongoing work
- might not have the range of work available to ensure that an apprentice gains all the necessary job skills for that industry
- do not have the time to undertake all employment and training functions.
A group training company employs apprentices and hires them to other businesses, called host employers, while they are undertaking their training. The group training company is the primary employer and:
- carefully selects the apprentice
- manages the training
- takes responsibility for all paperwork connected with wages, allowances, superannuation, workers compensation, sick/holiday pay and other employment benefits
- rotates the apprentice from business to business, where necessary, to ensure that each apprentice receives broad training and experience.
Group training provides a cost-efficient and administratively simple way for small to medium-sized businesses to hire apprentices when this might otherwise not be possible. It also creates quality employment and training opportunities and provides experience in a number of different enterprises.
Group training organisations operate across Australia. Some service a particular industry while others cater for an entire region, covering many industries.
If you would more information about group training arrangements in your area:
- contact an Australian Apprenticeship Centre, such as Jobs Plus Apprenticeship Services (9286 9691), in your region
- contact a Group Training Organisation listed on the National Register
- visit the Group Training Australia website.