Supporting our community with up to $5,200 in savings while building your local workforce

Businesses across the Riverina Murray region are doing it tough with rising costs and finding skilled workers. Local Wagga Wagga employers, from family farms to growing manufacturers, know how challenging it can be to find the right people. That's why we're excited to share news about a new Australian Government initiative that could provide real financial relief while helping you build the skilled team your business needs.

The GTO Reimbursement Program offers substantial savings for eligible businesses looking to hire apprentices or trainees, making it easier than ever to invest in young people and your community's future workforce.

What is the GTO Reimbursement Program?

This new government initiative is designed to reimburse some or all GTO service costs for small and medium enterprises that support Australian apprentices or trainees in priority occupations.

Here's what it means for your business:

  • Up to $5,200 in reimbursements over 52 weeks

  • Direct reduction in GTO service rates

  • Better cashflow for your business

  • Access to motivated young workers in high-demand industries

Who can take advantage of this program?

To qualify for the GTO Reimbursement Program, your business needs to:

  • Be a small or medium enterprise (199 employees or less)

  • Not have engaged an Australian apprentice directly or through a GTO in the last two years

  • Support an apprentice or trainee in a qualification listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List

This means hundreds of Riverina Murray businesses can now access GTES's expertise at a significantly reduced cost, helping address our region's skills shortage while supporting local economic growth.

Why choose GTES for your apprenticeship needs?

As the most experienced group training organisation in the region, GTES has been making employing young people easy for our community since 1985. We're a community-owned, not-for-profit company that takes care of all the paperwork so you can focus on running your business.

What sets GTES apart is the level of care we provide. We are renowned for providing a high level of care for both apprentice and employer, ensuring apprentices achieve their qualifications and employers get productive, well-trained team members.

The GTES difference - working for the community

What sets GTES apart is our commitment to our community and successful outcomes for everyone involved. Our experienced team works closely with both employers and participants to ensure training goals are met and local businesses get the skilled workers they need.

We provide tailored support including:

  • Dedicated coordinators who understand Riverina Murray industry needs

  • Regular progress monitoring and workplace visits across our region

  • Early intervention strategies designed for local business challenges

  • Flexible arrangements that work with regional business operations

  • Strong connections with local schools, TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, and Charles Sturt University

  • Deep understanding of seasonal agricultural cycles and regional business patterns

Making apprenticeships work for our local businesses

Many of our local employers want to support young people and invest in apprentices, but worry about the time, cost, and complexity involved. Whether you're running a family agricultural business or operating out of the heart of the CBD, GTES removes these barriers by providing professional management of the entire apprenticeship process.

With this new government reimbursement, the financial concerns are significantly reduced, making this the perfect opportunity for Riverina Murray businesses to expand their teams with skilled, locally-trained young people who understand and are committed to our region.

Industries that benefit from the program

The program covers apprentices and trainees in priority occupations that are particularly important to our Riverina Murray region:

  • Construction and building trades (supporting Wagga's continued development)

  • Manufacturing and engineering (backing our growing local industry)

  • Agriculture and food production (the backbone of our regional economy)

  • Information technology (helping regional centres stay connected)

  • Healthcare and community services (essential for our regional communities)

  • Retail and hospitality (supporting local tourism and community needs)

Ready to support a young person's career journey?

If cost has been holding you back from hiring apprentices or trainees, the GTO Reimbursement Program could be exactly what you've been waiting for. This initiative provides the financial support needed to invest in young people while maintaining the flexibility and professional support that comes with partnering with GTES.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we're driven by our commitment to making apprenticeships and traineeships easier and more successful for our community. Don't let skills shortages hold your business back. Take advantage of this government incentive and help build the skilled regional workforce our community needs.

By investing in local apprentices and trainees, you're not just growing your business – you're contributing to the economic strength of the Riverina Murray region and giving young people the chance to build successful careers right here at home.

Ready to make a difference?

Contact GTES today to discuss how the GTO Reimbursement Program can benefit your business and help you find the right young person to join your team.

Call us on 1300 881 279 or visit our office at 161 Hammond Avenue, Wagga Wagga to learn more about this exciting opportunity and how GTES can support your business while strengthening our community.