General Information

Background

In 2001, a National Review of Group Training was established to provide advice to the ANTA Ministerial Council on future directions, issues and options for Governments in the area of group training services.

One of the Terms of Reference for the Review was “The development of a framework relating to recognition and quality arrangements for the provision of group training services, including to what extent there needs to be formal recognition processes”. The content of this document represents the main deliverable for this Term of Reference.

On 24 May 2002 the ANTA Ministerial Council agreed that the National Standards for Group Training Organisations be adopted and that these Standards become the quality arrangements for group training in each State and Territory as from 1 January 2003.

In 2005 a review of the Standards was undertaken and minor changes were made. The NTQC endorsed the changes on 29 August 2005. These changes are effective from 1 January 2006.

Scope

The key objective of the National Standards for Group Training Organisations (GTOs) is to strengthen the capacity of GTOs in achieving the three goals of group training that is to create additional apprenticeship and traineeship employment opportunities; to provide for the continuity of that employment; and to improve the quality and breadth of training available to apprentices and trainees.

The National Standards for Group Training Organisations provide the ongoing basis for a nationally consistent, robust group training service brand; assist GTOs to monitor and continuously improve their organisations’ operations and strategic and financial planning; they also provide Governments with a consistent basis for the recognition, support and monitoring of Government funded GTOs.

The National Standards for Group Training Organisations were developed through the work of the Steering Committee for the National Review of Group Training, chaired by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) CEO and including representatives from States and Territories, Group Training Australia (GTA), the Commonwealth, industry organisations and Australian Indigenous Training Advisory Council and endorsed by Ministers for Vocational Education and Training in May 2002.

There are other requirements that may apply to a GTO wishing to operate in any State or Territory. There may be a requirement for “approval to employ an apprentice or trainee” or similar as applies to other employers of apprentices and trainees. States and Territories may also have other operational requirements that have a legislative or regulatory base. Such state-based requirements are outside the scope of these National Standards for Group Training Organisations.

The National Standards for Group Training Organisations is a standards-based recognition system that applies consistently across all States and Territories to GTOs seeking Government funding. Compliance with the National Standards for Group Training Organisations is mandatory for those GTOs seeking eligibility for GTO Government funding.

All GTOs are encouraged to comply with the recognition system for the branding advantage to their organisation and to group training as a national name, and also, as a tool for continuous improvement of performance.

Description of Standards

The development of these revised Standards has drawn on earlier work from the National Standards for Group Training Organisations that were released in 2003. Most GTOs have now had first hand experience of the National Standards for Group Training Organisations. These revised Standards incorporate minimal changes and provide greater clarity and applicability of the Standards.

Evaluation and Audit

This program includes an evaluation by the STA of all existing GTOs that are in receipt of Joint Group Training Program funding, or wish to be considered for eligibility for future Joint Group Training Program funding. Independent audits are scheduled at least once every three years for funded GTOs commencing from 1 January 2006. In addition, STAs may conduct strategic audits as provided for in their contractual arrangements with GTOs.

Compliance with each of the eight Standards is necessary to comply with the National Standards for Group Training Organisations. The evidence required for each Standard has been defined in a way that balances the need to be clear about what is expected, with sufficient flexibility in the way evidence can be presented to acknowledge the diversity of GTOs. For example, to satisfy a sub-clause of a Standard, one particular GTO may provide an example of evidence to demonstrate compliance whilst another GTO may cite a different example of evidence, yet be able to satisfy the same compliance requirements.

A handy reference, “Resources Handbook to accompany the National Standards for Group Training Organisations”, has been developed to assist GTOs and auditors with examples of evidence of compliance.

STAs have provision for feedback and advice after audit to assist GTOs to address areas where opportunities for improvement are identified. STAs will provide adequate time for making improvements and arrange for re-assessment of GTOs and appeals, in the circumstances of unsuccessful audit reports. GTOs with unsuccessful audit reports are able to continue operating. However, a GTO that is not able to meet the Standards after agreed opportunities to comply are exhausted, becomes ineligible for Joint Group Training Program funding and is no longer authorised to use the National Logo for Group Training.

The costs of independent audits are the responsibility of the GTO, unless otherwise advised by the STA.

National Logo for Group Training

A GTO that has received notification from the STA of its recognition, that is, it has met the requirements of the National Standards for Group Training Organisations, is listed on the national database and is entitled to use the “Complies with the National Standards for Group Training Organisations” logo in its documentation and advertising.

Such use is authorised to continue unless a withdrawal of recognition notice is issued by the STA.

Logo material for use with letterheads and brochures is available from STAs.

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