Do You Need To Train Your Apprentices as a Host Employer?

When you hire an electrical apprentice through Electrical Group Training (EGT), you gain more than just an extra set of hands - you gain EGT as a business partner and support you every step of the way. One of the most common questions we hear from prospective host employers is: “Do I need to train my apprentices myself?”

The short answer is: not alone.

Here’s how apprentice training works when you partner with EGT.

How Training Works for Electrical Apprentices

All EGT apprentices complete nationally recognised training through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as the College of Electrical Training (CET). This off-the-job training covers the theoretical and practical components needed to achieve their Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician qualification.

As a host employer, your role focuses on the on-the-job learning. Giving apprentices exposure to real-world work environments, systems, and processes. You don’t have to handle formal training delivery, record-keeping, or competency assessments. 

EGT’s Role in Supporting You and Your Apprentice

When you host an apprentice through EGT, you’re not on your own.

We take care of:

• Recruitment and matching: EGT carefully selects and employs apprentices, matching them to host employers based on skill level, location, and business needs.
• Formal training coordination: EGT manages all communication with the training provider, ensuring your apprentice stays on track with their coursework and assessments.
• Support: Our field officers regularly check in with both you and the apprentice to monitor progress, resolve any issues, and provide guidance.
• Apprentice management: EGT is the legal employer, managing wages, leave, workers’ compensation, and superannuation.
• Safety and compliance: We help ensure every placement meets WHS standards and apprentices are equipped with the right PPE and safety training. We also provide ongoing safety support to assist you in implementing safety policies and procedures to make sure you comply with legislation. 

This means you can focus on supervising and guiding your apprentice, not managing the paperwork.

So How Much Training is it Really? 

While EGT handles the administration and compliance, your role is to provide a positive, safe, and educational workplace where apprentices can apply what they learn at trade school.

Hosting an apprentice doesn’t mean spending hours every week teaching from scratch. Most of the formal training, such as theory, assessments, and structured skills development is handled by the apprentice’s RTO. Your role is to provide hands-on experience and occasional guidance as apprentices apply what they’ve learned in class to real jobs. Think of it as mentoring rather than formal instruction, showing them how your business operates, reinforcing safe work practices, and helping them develop the practical confidence they’ll need as a qualified electrician.

The Benefits of Hosting Through EGT

Choosing to host through a Group Training Organisation like EGT gives you the flexibility and support that direct employment can’t.

You’ll benefit from:

• Reduced risk and admin: EGT is the legal employer, so you’re protected from HR, payroll, and compliance burdens.
• Flexibility: Need more help during busy periods? You can request additional apprentices or pause placements when workloads change.
• Quality candidates: EGT apprentices are carefully screened and supported, so you can be confident in their skills and attitude.
• Ongoing support: Our field officers and training staff work closely with you to make sure both your business and the apprentice get the most out of the experience.

Read more about the benefits here. 

In Summary

As a host employer, your role is to guide, supervise, and share your trade knowledge while EGT manages recruitment, training coordination, and administration.

It’s a partnership that lets you focus on your business, while helping grow the next generation of Western Australia’s electrical workforce.