If you've been knocking on doors trying to land an apprenticeship, you've probably come across Group Training Organisations, or GTOs. They're one of the most useful — and least understood — ways into a trade. In simple terms, a GTO employs you as an apprentice and then places you with host employers who need a hand. You get the experience and the wage; the host gets a worker without taking on the full commitment of employing an apprentice directly.
This guide explains how GTOs work, why employers use them, and what it means for you as an apprentice. If you're finding a direct start hard to come by, a GTO could be your way in.
What a GTO actually is
A Group Training Organisation is your legal employer. That's the key thing to understand. When you sign up with a GTO, your training contract is held by them — not by the business you actually work at day to day.
The GTO then places you with a "host employer" — a builder, workshop, plumbing firm, whatever suits your trade. You do your daily work under the host's supervision, but the GTO handles your wages, superannuation, leave, and organises your TAFE training.
If one host runs out of work or the placement isn't a good fit, the GTO can move you to another host. That's the big advantage: you don't lose your apprenticeship just because one business hits a quiet patch.
Why employers use GTOs
Taking on an apprentice directly is a big commitment for a small business. They're responsible for wages, paperwork, training coordination and keeping the apprentice employed for years — even through slow periods. A lot of good employers hold off hiring apprentices for exactly these reasons.
A GTO removes that risk. The host pays the GTO a fee, and in return the GTO carries the employment responsibilities. If work dries up, the host can hand the apprentice back without the messy process of ending a training contract. That makes it much easier for a business to say yes to hosting you.
For you, this means opportunities exist through GTOs that you'd never find advertised as direct apprenticeships. Read how to get your first apprenticeship for more ways to break in.
What it means for your pay and conditions
Because the GTO is your employer, they're responsible for paying you correctly under the relevant modern award, paying your superannuation guarantee contributions, and giving you your leave entitlements. Your pay is based on your year of apprenticeship, the same as any other apprentice.
- Your wage steps up each year — use the Wage Calculator to see how apprentice pay works.
- You're covered by the same Fair Work protections as any employee (fairwork.gov.au).
- Allowances and overtime still apply depending on your award and the work — read allowances and overtime explained.
Learn to read your payslip so you can check it's all correct — see how to read your payslip. If something looks off, the GTO is who you raise it with.
The upside of going through a GTO
GTOs offer some genuine benefits beyond just getting your foot in the door.
- Job security: If a host has no work, you can be moved rather than left unemployed.
- Variety of experience: Rotating between hosts can expose you to different types of work, which is great for building well-rounded skills.
- Support: GTOs usually have field officers who check in on you, help sort problems and support you through your training. If you're having trouble on a host site, you've got someone to call.
- Paperwork handled: The GTO manages the training contract, TAFE enrolment and payroll, so there's less admin on your plate.
That support network can be really valuable, especially in your first year. Read what to expect in your first month to get a feel for the early days.
Things to keep in mind
GTOs aren't perfect for everyone, so go in with eyes open.
- You may move around: Rotating hosts is a plus for variety, but if you like stability, frequent changes can be unsettling. Some apprentices stay with one host the whole time; others move more often.
- You still have to perform at each host: Every new placement is a bit like a fresh first day. Hosts give feedback to the GTO, so your reputation follows you. Read building a reputation that follows you.
- Communication is key: Because you've got two organisations involved — the GTO and the host — keep both in the loop about anything important. Read how to communicate like a professional tradie.
How to make the most of it
Treat every host placement like an audition. Many apprentices get offered a permanent direct job by a host that loves their work, and plenty of hosts "buy out" apprentices they want to keep.
- Turn up on time, every day, and work safely — read reliability beats talent: why turning up matters.
- Be the apprentice hosts ask to keep — see what makes an apprentice worth keeping.
- Stay in touch with your GTO field officer and flag any issues early.
- Learn something from each host, even the placements you don't love.
How to find a GTO
GTOs operate all over Australia, and most trades have several to choose from. You can find registered GTOs through the Australian Apprenticeships website (apprenticeships.gov.au) or your state training authority. Many advertise their apprentice intakes online.
You can also browse apprenticeship jobs on HireVis — some listings are through GTOs — and create a free profile so employers and GTOs can find you.
Key takeaways
- A GTO employs you and places you with host employers, holding your training contract and handling pay, super and TAFE.
- GTOs lower the risk for employers, opening up opportunities you won't find as direct apprenticeships.
- You're paid under the relevant award with full Fair Work protections — check pay with the Wage Calculator.
- Rotating hosts builds varied experience and gives you job security if one host runs out of work.
- Treat every placement as an audition — many apprentices get offered a permanent role by a host they impress. Browse apprenticeship jobs to start.