Register as a group training organisation (GTO)
Find out how to register as a group training organisation (GTO) in NSW. Get support to recruit apprentices and trainees.
What is a registered GTO in NSW?
Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ apprentices and trainees under a formal training contract and place them with host employers. GTOs support learners throughout their training and are responsible for ensuring high-quality employment and training experiences.
In NSW, GTOs must register with the Department of Education under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act (2001). Registration is required to access government funding and demonstrates compliance with the National Standards for Group Training Organisations.
How to register as a GTO in NSW
Follow these steps to register:
Conduct a Self-Assessment
- Ensure your organisation has a permanent physical presence in NSW.
- Complete a self-assessment against the National Standards for Group Training Organisations before submitting an application.
- Submit your completed Self-Assessment Guide along with your application.
Prepare and submit
- Application Form
- Self-Assessment Guide
- Other documents as outlined in the Compliance Document Checklist
- Attach the Self-Assessment Guide and required documents listed in the Compliance Document Checklist.
Undergo a compliance audit
The audit is conducted by an independent auditor appointed by the Department of Education.
The audit includes:
- Desk audit
- Site visit
- Interviews with apprentices, trainees, and host employers
- Note: The GTO is responsible for all auditing costs, which must be paid before approval.
Receive approval
If your organisation:
- Meets the National Standards
- Fulfills any additional requirements set by the Department of Education.
The Commissioner for Vocational Training will approve registration for a period of Five (5) years, replacing the previous One (1) to Three (3)-year registration period. A mandatory compliance review will be conducted in Year Three (3) for re-registered GTOs and a first-year compliance check for new GTOs.
For registration inquiries, email: gto.registration@det.nsw.edu.au
GTOs operating in NSW and ACT
GTOs operating in both NSW and ACT can use a joint registration process, requiring only one registration fee.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must operate in both NSW and ACT
- Have a permanent physical presence in NSW
- Use consistent policies, processes, and systems in both locations
Application Process:
- Complete:
- Attach the Self-Assessment Guide and required documents listed in the Compliance Document Checklist.
- Submit to Training Services and Skills Canberra (CC: skills@act.gov.au).
- Undergo an audit process, including:
- Interviews in the ACT conducted by Skills Canberra
- Audit review and compliance checks in NSW
Each jurisdiction will make independent decisions regarding approval. Note: Changes may apply to ACT mutual recognition policies, such as variations in eligibility criteria or compliance timelines. NSW will coordinate communication with ACT stakeholders.
For more details, visit: ACT GTO Registration Website or contact Skills Canberra.
Resources
Below are useful resources to help navigate the GTO registration and employment process:
- NSW GTO Registration Guide
- National Standards for Group Training Organisations
- Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001
- Skills Canberra - ACT GTO Registration
- Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT
- Evidence Guide for GTO Compliance Assessment
For additional support, contact Training Services.
Registration pack
The following documents and resources will help guide you through the registration process:
- NSW GTO Registration Guide
- NSW GTO Application Form
- ACT GTO Application Form (for joint NSW/ACT registration)
- Compliance Assessment Report Template
- Self-Assessment Guide Template
- Compliance Document Checklist
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Registration
- Contact Information for Support Services
- GTO Registration Team: gto.registration@det.nsw.edu.au
- Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT
Email: jason@aennswact.com.au or phone: 0419 466 584.
Important Note: GTOs must apply for re-registration 6 months before expiration to allow for audits. NSW no longer grants registration extensions, and failure to apply on time may lead to lapsed registration, affecting funding eligibility.
Recruitment Program for GTOs
The NSW Department of Education supports GTOs through recruitment initiatives designed to increase participation in apprenticeships and traineeships.
The program includes:
- Candidate referral and job matching services
- Outreach and promotional campaigns
- School and community engagement
- Support for priority industries and underrepresented groups
This initiative helps GTOs meet recruitment needs while supporting workforce development across NSW.
For more information see our Recruitment Program page or to participate, contact Training Services or your regional advisor.
Support and contact
Training Services
Email: gto.registration@det.nsw.edu.au
Office contacts and locations
Or contact:
Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT