Registering as a GTO - Standards and Compliance

Group training arrangements have the potential to make a valuable contribution to meeting State employment reform objectives.  It is imperative therefore, that a process is in place to ensure that group training standards are addressed and maintained within Tasmania and to assure the suitability of organisations wishing to provide group training services in Tasmania.

To provide group training services within Tasmania, an organisation must be approved as registered with the Tasmanian Training Agreements Committee (TTAC) once it exceeds ten (10) apprentice/trainee placements with a host employer – refer to TTAC Policy 19.

In order to be approved as registered with TTAC, an organisation must meet the four Tasmanian Operational Requirements for Group Training Organisations which encompasses the National Standards for Group Training Organisations.

The Tasmanian Operational Requirements for Group Training Organisations (Tasmanian Operational Requirements) consists of two sections, 'Guide to registration' and 'Registration toolkit'. 

GTOs must comply with the National Standards for Group Training Organisations if seeking eligibility for group training-specific government funding.

In brief, the steps to registration are:
1. Notification of Intent to Register to TTAC (only required for prospective GTOs);
2. Conduct a self assessment against Tasmanian Operational Requirements;
3. Submit Self Assessment Evidence Report to one of the Skills Tasmania-approved auditors; 
4. Auditor conducts full Compliance Audit and submits Auditor Recommendation to TTAC;
5. TTAC approves registration and notifies organisation.

TTAC meets approximately 6 weekly – check with the Executive Officer for closing date for items; Email: TTAC@skills.tas.gov.au.

The period of registration which commences from the date of TTAC approval is for three years unless circumstances dictate a shorter term of registration.  Such circumstances might be:

• the GTO has requested an audit prior to the expiration of the three-year period in order to align their GTO audits with other independent quality arrangements.  These quality arrangements may be International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO); Australian Quality Council (AQC) audits; or if the organisation is also a registered training organisation, Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) audits; or

• TTAC has determined that a compliance audit is warranted.

Templates are available to assist organisations with their application to register as a GTO and for reporting purposes.

An organisation offering group training services may operate in Tasmania without being registered with TTAC provided the organisation has less than 10 apprentice/trainee placements with a host employer.  However, such organisations would not be eligible to apply for some State and Australian Government funding.

For further information about registering as a GTO in Tasmania contact the Project Officer, Purchasing and Contract Management, telephone: (03) 6233 7137 or email an enquiry to grouptraining@skills.gov.au