​Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

RTOs are authorised to provide specific nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET):

  • training package qualifications
  • units of competency
  • accredited courses.

RTOs can:

  • help you choose the right training
  • customise training to suit your needs
  • conduct a skills assessment of each apprentice or trainee
  • provide workplace support to you as the employer and to the apprentice or trainee.

Training providers will have different strengths and weaknesses, so shop around to find a provider with a good reputation in your industry who offers value for money.

You can negotiate with the training provider. You can decide when and how the training takes place, for example, during or after work hours, online or in group training sessions.

Note that some RTOs attract NT Government funding for training delivery. The NT Apprenticeships and Traineeships Database identifies which RTOs are funded and non funded for individual qualifications.

Group Training Organisations (GTOs)

GTOs are independent organisations that employ apprentices and trainees and hire them out to host employers on a short- or long-term basis. Some specialise in servicing a particular industry, while others will work with many industries in their region.

A GTO acts as the primary employer and:

  • selects the apprentice or trainee carefully to ensure that they are suitable for your business
  • arranges and monitors the on and off-the-job training
  • takes responsibility for all paperwork connected with wages, allowances, superannuation, workers' compensation, sick/holiday pay and other benefits
  • ensures that each apprentice or trainee receives a broad range of training and experience by rotating, where necessary, the apprentice or trainee from business to business.

This arrangement has a number of benefits for employers:

  • you do not have to provide a permanent position for the apprentice or trainee
  • you can recruit an apprentice to suit your peak business workload and seasonal variations
  • hiring an apprentice or trainee is cost effective
  • GTO acts as your consultant and trouble-shooter throughout the period of employment and training
  • you can replace your apprentice or trainee with another if you are not satisfied
  • administrative duties are fulfilled by the GTO.

To find a GTO visit the Group Training National Register.