About ATC WA
Welding Courses at the ATC WA

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Group Training Company?

A: A group training company is a business that employs apprentices/trainees, and then places them with one or more host employers to undergo their trade training.

Q: What service does the ATC – Group Training Provide?

A: ATC – Group Training employs full-time apprentices, and individuals undertaking Australian School-based Apprenticeships at the Australian Trades College WA.

The ATC - GTO is responsible for all paperwork relating to an apprentice' employment, including: wages, workers compensation, superannuation, tax, sick pay and holiday pay.

We also monitor apprentice development both on and off-the-job to ensure that adequate progress is being made.

ATC – Group Training employs apprentices from the following trades:

  • Automotive
  • Metals and Engineering (Boilermaker/ Welder)
  • Electrical
  • Cabinet Making
  • Bricklaying
  • Carpentry and Joinery
  • Steel Framing

Q: What is the difference between an Australian School-based Apprentice and a Full-Time Apprentice?

A: An Australian School-based Apprentice is an individual who chooses to combine academic study (Year 11 and 12) with technical training that contributes credits toward a vocational qualification. Essentially, an Australian School-based Apprentice undertakes their apprenticeship on a part-time basis until they have completed their secondary education.

A Full-Time Apprentice is an individual who is employed under a training agreement that offers a stimulating combination of employment and structured training.

Q: How often is an Australian School-based apprentice required to attend the College to complete their academic studies and technical training?

A: An Australian School-based Apprentice rotates his/her time between the College and the workplace. The rotation scheduled is negotiated with the host employer.

Q: What are the benefits of being a Host Employer?

A: Flexibility - Host Employers are not locked into a long term fixed training contract. Apprentices can be rotated if a host employer is unable to provide trade training for an entire trade qualification.

Work Ready Apprentices - Host employer has access to well rounded apprentices who are available to start work immediately

Work Experience - ATC Group Training has a structured work experience program that can assist host employers to find a suitable apprentice

Cost effective - There are no administration or recruitment costs. There is also no cost to the host employer when the apprentice is both undertaking off-the-job training and attending the College

Pastoral Care - ATC Perth South has two full time Student Counsellors who monitor the progress apprentices on work placements

Tailored Training Plans - Off-the-job Training Plans can be customised to suit your workplace practices

Conflict Management - Host Employers have access to a full time Employment and Training Coordinator who is responsible for managing workplace related issues that may arise

Q: What are the obligations of the Host Employer?

A: Host Employers must provide apprentices with:

  • A safe working environment
  • A variety of on-the-job experiences/training
  • Appropriate supervision

Host Employers must agree to:

  • Provide ATC – Group Training staff with access to the workplace for worksite visits

Q: How does ATC Group Training select apprentices?

A: School-based Apprentices
To secure a position in the School-based Apprenticeship program at the Australian Trades College WA applicants must undertake an aptitude assessment and attend a formal interview. Places are limited and only offered to those who have the required academic and mechanical reasoning skills.

Full-time Apprentices
ATC Group Training holds formal job interviews for applicants seeking a full-time apprenticeship (complete with reference checks).

Q: Can a host employer choose the Apprentice they want?

A: Yes. Unpaid work experience can also be organised to act as a trial before a paid position is offered.

Host employers are also encouraged to conduct their own interviews to ensure that they select an employee that suits the needs of their business.

Q: Where do ATC Group Training apprentices complete their off-the-job training?

A: ATC Group Training Apprentices will undertake their mandatory off-the-job training at the Australian Trades College WA, a nationally recognised Registered Training Organisation.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The cost to employ an ATC Group Training apprentice will depend on their age, the relevant industry award, allowances and the number of years the apprentice has already completed.


Australian Trades College Perth