We can answer any questions you have about our apprentices, how our apprenticeships work, or even the industry at large. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
If you can't find your answer below or would prefer to speak with us, we would love to hear from you! Simply give us a call on (08) 6241 6100 and we can answer any additional questions you have.
Become a Host
A host employer partners with a Group Training Organisation (GTO) like EGT to provide on-the-job training for apprentices. While the apprentice is employed by EGT, the host employer supervises and trains them in their day-to-day work, supporting their skills development in a real-world environment.
An apprenticeship is a period of time during which an apprentice is contracted to an employer to learn all about and become qualified in a particular trade. It combines practical experience in a workplace with structured off-the-job training at a contracted training provider.
The term of an apprenticeship in the electrical industry is four years and includes off-the-job training. In Western Australia apprenticeships are delivered under a competency-based, flexible training system. Workplace and off-the-job training and assessment procedures have been introduced based on the skills the apprentice should acquire over the term of the apprenticeship. Off-the-job training is normally one day per week at a training college and the rest of the apprentice’s time is spent on-the-job.
Group Training is an employment and training arrangement whereby an organisation (like EGT) employs apprentices under an Apprenticeship Training Contract and places them with host employers. EGT undertakes the employer responsibilities for the quality and continuity of the apprentices' employment and training. EGT also manages the additional care and support necessary to achieve the successful completion of the Training Contract.
When you hire directly, your business takes on the full responsibility of employing and managing the apprentice, everything from recruiting, contracts, payroll to insurance to performance management. With a GTO like EGT, we handle the recruitment, payroll, training coordination, pastoral care and all employer obligations. You simply provide training and a safe and supportive workplace where the apprentice can build their skills.
Where possible, EGT will provide you with the apprentice of your choice. If the apprentice is already committed to another host employer for a period of time, we will endeavour to provide you with an apprentice with equivalent skills and abilities.
EGT arranges off-the-job training through the College of Electrical Training and Public Providers.
Host employers don’t need to pay for the apprentice’s training. EGT handles all aspects of training administration, including training plans, enrolment and coordinating payment of fees with the College/TAFE.
With EGT, you pay an hourly charge-out rate according to the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020. EGT handle all aspects of administering payroll - this means you don’t need to manage superannuation or navigate awards; we take care of it for you.
Use EGT’s charge-out calculator to get an indication of how much it will cost your business, based on age, experience and subsidies.
No! You as the host only have to pay for the days the apprentice is actually working for you. All other days are handled by EGT.
Yes – there are several financial incentives available to employers who support apprenticeships, including through GTOs. Financial incentives are passed on to the host employer via the charge out rate.
Financial incentives are passed on to the host employer via the charge out rate.
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Yes. Group Training Organisations like EGT offers a cost-effective way to engage apprentices without the administrative burden of direct employment. You only pay for the time the apprentice is working with you, and our all-inclusive charge-out rate simplifies budgeting and reduces risk.
As a host employer, you’ll need to provide training on the work you’re doing and a safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace where the apprentice can develop their skills under your supervision. You’ll work with EGT to ensure the apprentice gains exposure to the full range of skills required for their qualification.
Hiring an apprentice is a straightforward process when you work with EGT. To get started all you need to do is contact EGT and we take care of the administration, recruitment, and compliance so you can focus on running your business.
EGT provides end-to-end support so your apprentice is productive, safe, and progressing through their training. This includes:
Field Officer Support – Regular workplace visits, performance reviews, and support with any issues.
Safety and compliance – We help you maintain a safe workplace and ensure all WHS requirements are met.
Off-the-job training coordination – EGT manages trade school scheduling, attendance, and progression.
HR and admin handled for you – Payroll, superannuation, workers’ compensation, leave, insurances, and contract changes.
Learn more: How hiring apprentices through a GTO helps businesses grow safely
When you hire an apprentice directly, you take on all legal responsibilities as the employer. However, when you hire through EGT, we become the legal employer, meaning we take on these obligations for you. You simply provide safe work, training opportunities, and day-to-day supervision.
When you hire an apprentice through EGT, we take care of the entire training contract process for you. We collect the required information, work with an Apprentice Connect Australia Providers (ACAP) provider to lodge the contract, and organise the Training Plan with the Registered Training Organisation, such as CET. We also monitor the progress of the contract until it is fully approved and make any updates if circumstances change.
Almost any business in the electrical industry can host an apprentice, including small, medium, or large electrical contractors, sole traders and commercial and industrial electrical businesses
Hiring an apprentice is one of the most effective ways to grow your workforce sustainably.
When you hire an apprentice, you are:
If you hire via a GTO like EGT, you also benefit from risk management, flexible placements, and full HR support. Discover the full range of benefits of hiring through EGT here.
Yes, sole traders can host apprentices, provided they can offer safe, supervised, and compliant training opportunities. Many sole traders prefer using EGT rather than hiring directly because it hives them protection and flexibility. Because EGT becomes the legal employer, it reduces admin and compliance risk. Plus, you only pay for the hours an apprentice works, giving you flexibility that makes apprenticeships more manageable for small businesses.
Costs vary based on award level, experience, and the arrangement you choose. If you hire directly you’re responsible for wages, allowances, superannuation, workers’ compensation, leave, PPE, training time, and administration.
If you hire through EGT, you pay a single hourly charge-out rate that covers:
Full pay breakdown: How much do I have to pay an electrical apprentice in WA?
To host an electrical apprenticeship your business needs to have qualified, licensed electricians available for supervision and mentorship. Learn the full responsibilities and requirements for host employers here.
If your workload slows down, EGT can rotate the apprentice to another host employer to keep them working and progressing through their training. This flexibility is one of the key benefits of working with a Group Training Organisation. You won’t be locked into ongoing costs when work is quiet, and the apprentice doesn’t lose time or experience during their apprenticeship.
Yes, you can host multiple apprentices as long as you can provide a safe working environment, adequate supervision, and the right mix of tasks for their development. EGT can help you assess your capacity and match you with apprentices who suit your business.
EGT supplies apprentices with their basic PPE and starter toolkits when they begin their employment. As a host employer, you may need to provide any additional site-specific PPE or specialised tools required for certain jobs. Your EGT Field Officer can let you know exactly what is covered and help ensure the apprentice has everything they need to work safely.
