Group Training Australia (Ltd) warmly welcomes the decision of His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC (retd) Governor-General of Australia to become its official patron.

GTA is the national peak body representing the interests of over 180 not-forprofit Group Training Organisations (GTOs) which employ close to 40,000 apprentices and trainees across the country.

One of the keys to the success of GTOs is the pastoral care and support they provide to all their apprentices and trainees, be they in metropolitan, rural and regional Australia, in Indigenous communities or those with disabilities.

"I approached the Governor-General late last year, asking that he consider taking on the position of our patron. The core business of GTOs is to provide work and training opportunities to young Australians, and securing the support of the Governor-General is an excellent way to further promote and highlight the benefits of apprenticeship training." James Barron, CEO of Group Training Australia said today.

"We look forward to working with the Governor-General’s office to discuss involvement in various group training events over the coming year."