Registered training organisations

Registered training organisations

Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)

The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) is the national set of standards which assures consistent, high-quality training and assessment services for the clients of Australia's vocational education and training system. AQTF 2007 Essential Standards for Registration is the current version of the framework.

Unregistered training providers are not permitted to issue qualifications or statements of attainment. However, these training providers can deliver non-accredited training.

Quality indicators

The AQTF quality indicators have been designed to help Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) conduct evidence-based and outcomes-focused continuous quality improvement, and assist Registering Bodies assess the risk of RTO operations.

Registered training organisations (RTOs)

Registered training organisations (RTOs) provide nationally recognised training. Only RTOs can issue nationally recognised qualifications and statements of attainment.

To become registered, training providers must meet the AQTF 2007 standards. This ensures the quality of services throughout Australia.

RTOs are authorised to provide specific nationally recognised VET products and services, including:

  • training package qualifications
  • units of competency
  • accredited courses.

In the Northern Territory, RTOs must apply to the Department of Education and Training to be eligible to deliver training and assessment services.

RTOs include adult and community education providers, private providers, community organisations, schools, higher education institutions, commercial and enterprise training providers, industry bodies, and other organisations that meet registration requirements. All registered training organisations are listed on the National Training Information Service (NTIS) database including details of their scope of registration.

Group training organisations (GTOs)

GTOs are independent organisations that employ apprentices and trainees and hire them out to host employers on a short or long term basis. Some specialise in servicing a particular industry, while others will work with many industries in their region.

A GTO acts as the primary employer and:

  • selects the apprentice or trainee carefully to ensure that they are suitable for a business
  • arranges and monitors the on and off-the-job training
  • takes responsibility for all paperwork connected with wages, allowances, superannuation, workers compensation, sick pay, holiday pay and other benefits
  • ensures that each apprentice or trainee receives a broad range of training and experience by rotating, where necessary, the apprentice or trainee from business to business.

For more information, go to National Training Information Service (NTIS).

Professional Learning

The Department of Education and Training is dedicated to supporting professional development for RTOs and continually strives to ensure the quality and integrity of the VET system is maintained across the Northern Territory.

Professional development is one of many strategies supported by DET to assist in maintaining a base of highly skilled vocational education and training practitioners to support the AQTF 2007 and improve the quality of VET products and services.