The purpose of the National Standards for Group Training Organisations is to ensure nationally consistent, high-quality services are provided by GTOs in carrying out their core role as outlined above. The Standards provide a framework to ensure GTOs operate ethically, with due consideration of apprentice, trainee and host employer needs, and enhance the reputation of group training as a model of employment and training within the apprenticeship and traineeship system.

The key outcome for a GTO is to develop an apprentice/trainee to become a skilled worker who has completed a recognised qualification. To achieve this quality outcome a GTO needs to focus on three key elements with the Standards structured to reflect these: 
• recruitment, employment and induction;
• monitoring and supporting apprentices and trainees to completion;
• maintaining a sustainable GTO which is well governed and administered.

The Standards have been designed to ensure the quality assurance framework for Group Training Organisations is consistent with and complementary to the framework in place for Registered Training Organisations. 

GTOs must comply with the National Standards for Group Training Organisations in order to be registered. Only registered GTOs are eligible to apply for Australian Government or State or Territory Government group training program funding.