What Adelaide Training and Employment Center does

Adelaide Training and Employment Center (ATEC) is a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code: 0022; ARBN 664 582 272), founded in 1989 and headquartered at 275 Grand Junction Road, Ottoway, South Australia. It is described as South Australia's largest not-for-profit training organisation in the engineering and construction sector. ATEC delivers nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications, accredited micro-credentials, and apprenticeship/traineeship placement services through two purpose-built metropolitan training centres — Ottoway (engineering, fabrication, welding, electrotechnology) and Lonsdale (carpentry, construction, forklift, HSR) — supported by a regional career roadshow program across South Australia.

The product portfolio is structured in three tiers. The first tier is long-form trade qualification apprenticeships (typically 48-month Australian Apprenticeship Training Contracts) covering Certificate III in Carpentry, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, and Engineering Certificates II-IV (fabrication, mechanical, production pathways), with Certificate II-level pre-apprenticeship pathways such as the Introduction to Construction Skill Set (delivered with HIA SA) and Certificate II in Engineering/Construction Pathways. The second tier is fee-for-service short courses and micro-credentials sold under the ATEC Academy sub-brand — White Card, Forklift, EWP, Low Voltage Rescue, HSR Levels 1-3, MIG/TIG/ARC welding introductions, Manual Handling, and Light Gauge Steel Frame Installation. The third tier is the Group Training Scheme (GTO), in which ATEC acts as the legal employer of apprentices and places them with host employers, handling compliance, payroll, and case management in exchange for hosting fees. A purpose-built Knowledge Hub is under construction at Ottoway (June-October 2026) and a Carpentry Centre of Excellence opened at Lonsdale in 2025.

ATEC monetises through three revenue streams: (i) Australian Apprenticeship Training Contract fees, comprising a mix of government subsidised training fees for eligible students and employer contributions; (ii) fee-for-service short course and micro-credential tuition paid by individuals or employers, with significant CITB and South Australian Government subsidy pass-throughs that reduce headline prices (e.g., Forklift drops from $785 to $490 with a CITB number; HSR Level 1 drops from $1,155 to $490); and (iii) Group Training Organisation hosting fees charged to host employers. Pricing is unit-based and pay-as-you-go, with public course pricing published online. The customer base is distributed across individual apprentices and trainees, host employers, job seekers, school students (via VET in Schools), existing workers seeking compliance credentials, and underrepresented groups including women (Building Women Program) and First Nations peoples. ATEC is led by CEO Greg Bassani OAM and has been consecutively recognised by the South Australian Training Awards in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Name

Adelaide Training and Employment Center

Legal name

Adelaide Training and Employment Centre

Website

https://atec.asn.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Adelaide Training and Employment Center (ATEC) is a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation in South Australia delivering nationally recognised apprenticeships, trade qualifications, micro-credentials, and Group Training Scheme placement services to apprentices, host employers, job seekers, and school students across engineering, construction, fabrication, and electrotechnology sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Employment Placement Agencies (561311), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Occupational Safety, OSHA & Workplace Compliance Training (EDAOAMAK), Occupational Health & Safety (EHS) Programs & Training (OSHA-style) (EDAEAKAI), Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE)

Keywords

• Vocational education training
• Apprenticeship services
• Group training scheme
• Construction industry training
• Workplace safety certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Adelaide

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Australian Apprenticeship Training Contracts: ATEC generates revenue by placing apprentices and trainees with host employers under Australian Apprenticeship Training Contracts (typically 48 months/4 years). Revenue is derived from government subsidised training fees for eligible students and employer contributions. ATEC supports over 1,500 apprentices annually.
2. Fee-for-Service Short Courses and Micro-Credentials: ATEC Academy and short course offerings generate revenue through direct course fees paid by individuals or employers. Many courses are also subsidised by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) for eligible construction industry participants.
3. Group Training Apprentice Hosting: ATEC's Group Training Scheme provides apprentices to host employers. ATEC as the legal employer handles employment obligations, training coordination, and support services, with fees charged to host employers for hosting an apprentice.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Adelaide Training and Employment Center (ATEC) is a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation providing skills training, apprenticeship, and recruitment services for businesses, workers, jobseekers, apprentices, and school leavers. It delivers nationally recognised qualifications and short courses across engineering, fabrication, welding, construction, electrotechnology, and workplace safety, and operates a Group Training Scheme placing apprentices with host employers across South Australia.

Product overview

Adelaide Training and Employment Center (ATEC) is a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code: 0022) providing vocational education and employment services through a multi-product portfolio. The core offerings include Group Training Scheme services for apprenticeships and traineeships, and industry-focused skills training delivered at two metropolitan training centres (Ottoway and Lonsdale). ATEC Academy serves as the sub-brand for short courses and micro-credentials, offering programs including White Card, Forklift Training, EWP Training, Low Voltage Rescue, Health and Safety Representative Training (Levels 1-3), and introductory welding courses (MIG, TIG, ARC). Full qualification programs span Building & Construction (Certificate III Carpentry, Certificate II Construction Pathways), Engineering (Certificates II-IV covering Fabrication, Mechanical, and Engineering Pathways), and Electrotechnology (Certificate III Electrician). The organization operates specialized facilities including the Carpentry Centre of Excellence (opened 2025) at Lonsdale and the upcoming Knowledge Hub at Ottoway (expected completion October 2026).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ATEC Academy: Home of a growing range of in-demand short-courses, or micro-credentials. Provides entry point for the community and industry to access micro-credential programs and develop new skills in areas of need including welding, forklift licensing, elevating work platform operation, health and safety representative training, and white card courses.

Products and services

• ATEC Academy Sub-brand offering a growing range of in-demand short courses and micro-credentials providing an entry point for the community and industry to access training programs in areas of need including welding, forklift licensing, elevating work platform operation, health and safety representative training, and white card courses.
• Apprenticeship and Trainee Training (Group Training Scheme) Apprenticeships and traineeships delivered through ATEC's Group Training Scheme (GTO), allowing host employers to take on apprentices without ongoing employment obligations. ATEC acts as the legal employer and handles compliance, training coordination, and case management. Supports over 1,500 apprentices annually across priority industries.
• White Card Course (CPCWHS1001) One-day mandatory course (Prepare to work safely in the construction industry) required for all persons working on construction sites in Australia. Delivered at ATEC training centres.
• Forklift Driver Training (TLILIC0003) Licence to operate a forklift truck, available as a 2-day course for intermediate operators or 3-day course for entry-level operators. Pricing from $585 to $785 with CITB subsidies available.
• Elevating Work Platform Training (RIIHAN301E) Covers scissor lifts and boom lifts with height under 11 meters. Operate elevating work platform course priced at $695 standard or $475 with CITB subsidy.
• Low Voltage Rescue and Resuscitation (UETDRMP018 / HLTAID009) Perform rescue from a live low voltage panel incorporating CPR. Targeted at electrical workers for compliance and safety. Priced at $180 standard or $30 with CITB subsidy.
• Health and Safety Representative Training Level 1 5-day SafeWork SA approved HSR Initial Training Course for newly elected Health and Safety Representatives. Priced at $1,155 standard or $490 with CITB subsidy.
• Health and Safety Representative Training Level 2 3-day training for HSRs who have completed Level 1, focusing on skills to research, prepare and present cases. Priced at $733 standard or $333 with CITB subsidy.
• Health and Safety Representative Training Level 3 2-day training for HSRs in their third year of office, covering advanced safety management and negotiation skills. Priced at $572 standard or $307 with CITB subsidy.
• Introduction to MIG Welding Covers skills and knowledge for routine gas metal arc welding (GMAW) including fillet and butt welds. Priced at $595.
• Introduction to TIG Welding Covers skills and knowledge for routine gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) including fillet and butt welds. Priced at $595, delivered across four Thursday nights.
• Introduction to ARC Welding Covers skills and knowledge for routine manual metal arc welding (MMAW) including fillet and butt welds.
• Engineering (Fabrication, Welding, Mechanical, Production) Courses Full range of engineering qualifications including Certificate II, III, and IV in Engineering, covering Fabrication Trade, Mechanical Trade, and Engineering Pathways. Includes Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (10.5-week course; $5,500 full fee, $395 subsidised, Fee Free available for eligible students).
• Electrotechnology Courses (UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician) Comprehensive 48-month Australian Apprenticeship course for electrician career pathways, with Photovoltaic and Telecommunication streams. Subsidised fee of $4,140 by the Government of South Australia for eligible students.
• Building and Construction Courses CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry (48-month Australian Apprenticeship, subsidised fee $4,133.50), CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways (10-week course, $4,125 full fee or $395 subsidised), covering residential and commercial construction career pathways.
• Light Gauge Steel Frame Installation Professional development course for building with light gauge steel for Class 1a and 10 building applications, supported by BlueScope and NASH. Includes online theory and 8-hour practical. Priced at $550 standard or $405 with CITB subsidy.
• Introduction to Construction Skill Set (SSDIS01008) 2-week hands-on course for breaking into the building and construction industry, delivered in partnership with HIA SA. Priced at $2,000 full fee, $295 subsidised, or $95 concession; Fee Free available for eligible students.
• Manual Handling Training (HLTWHS005) Conduct manual tasks safely course covering hazardous manual tasks and safe handling techniques. Priced at $160 standard or $100 with CITB subsidy.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,500+ apprentices supported annually across priority industries
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Partek Construction & InteriorscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 19 May 2026Partek Construction & Interiors, a prominent multi-award winning South Australian builder, was engaged as the builder for ATEC's new Knowledge Hub at Ottoway. Finalisation of work plans occurred on 19 May 2026, with construction commencing in early June 2026. Expected completion is late October 2026. This is one of ATEC's most significant infrastructure investments to date.
• Building WomencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding Women partnered with ATEC to deliver the Building Women Program at ATEC's Lonsdale facility. The 7-week program saw 15 participants graduate after completing the Introduction to Construction Skill Set course. Building Women provides mentoring, industry exposure, and personal development opportunities for women looking to enter the construction industry.
• Housing Industry Association (HIA) South AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATEC runs the Introduction to Construction Skill Set course in partnership with HIA SA. HIA is the peak industry body for Australia's residential building developers, builders, and subcontractors. The partnership supports delivery of hands-on construction training and pathways to apprenticeships.
• Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCITB provides subsidised training funding for eligible construction industry participants across many ATEC courses. CITB subsidies significantly reduce course fees for eligible students (e.g., Forklift, HSR courses, Light Gauge Steel, Manual Handling). CITB also provides financial support to construction employers for on and off-the-job training costs for apprentices.
• Government of South AustraliacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Government of South Australia provides subsidised training funding for eligible students through Skills SA and supports ATEC infrastructure investments. The new Knowledge Hub is predominantly funded by ATEC with important support from the South Australian Government. Subsidised training is available for eligible South Australian residents.
• SafeWork SAcoreOthersSafeWork SA is the regulator for work health and safety in South Australia. ATEC is a SafeWork SA approved training provider for Health and Safety Representative courses. HSRs are entitled to approved training through an Approved Training Provider (ATP) such as ATEC.
• Australian Apprenticeship Support NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorATEC works with the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network to facilitate training contracts between apprentices/trainees and employers. Learners need to be signed into an approved Training Contract with an employer through an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network to undertake courses like the Certificate III in Electrotechnology.
• Engineered for Excellence ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Engineered for Excellence program, led by ATEC Business Development Manager Cale and Program Coordinator Sean Hopkinson, travels across South Australia promoting careers in Fabrication and Mechanical Engineering. This initiative is supported by various regional schools, businesses, and industry partners to build awareness of vocational engineering pathways.
• Port Augusta Technical CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuring the Regional Career Roadshow, the ATEC team visited the Port Augusta Technical College to learn about trade-focused programs and explore workforce development opportunities. The visit highlighted the role of technical colleges in introducing students to vocational pathways.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• TAFE SA: South Australia's public TAFE provider, delivering vocational education and apprenticeships across the same trades ATEC services. Both compete for the same apprentice cohort and government-subsidised training contracts in SA.
• MEGT: One of Australia's largest Group Training Organisations, placing apprentices with host employers across multiple states. Directly comparable to ATEC's GTO model and apprenticeship placement function, though at a broader national scale.
• Sarina Russo Group: Australian training and employment services provider operating RTOs and Group Training services. Comparable to ATEC in combining vocational training with employment placement and apprenticeship support.
• Apprenticeship Support Australia: Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider that ATEC partners with to facilitate training contracts. Operates in the same apprenticeship ecosystem with overlapping apprentice and employer touchpoints.
• CVGT Australia: Employment and training services provider across Australia, delivering apprenticeships, traineeships, and vocational programs. Directly comparable to ATEC's training and employment services mission.

Others

• Construction Industry Training Board (CITB): South Australian government-backed training funding body that subsidises many ATEC courses. Not a direct competitor but a critical ecosystem participant that shapes ATEC's pricing and demand.
• Housing Industry Association (HIA) SA: Peak industry body for residential builders that ATEC partners with to deliver the Introduction to Construction Skill Set. Comparable as industry-relevant but operates as an industry association rather than training provider.

Broad incumbents

• Apprenticeship Employment Network: Industry body representing Victorian Group Training Organisations. Relevant peer for benchmarking GTO operating models though geographically focused on Victoria rather than South Australia.
• TAFE Queensland: Large publicly funded TAFE in another Australian state, providing the same range of trade qualifications and short courses as ATEC. Useful comparandum for scale, scope, and public-sector RTO operating economics.

Emerging players

• NECA Education and Careers: Specialist electrical industry training provider, directly competing with ATEC's Electrotechnology Electrician Certificate III program. Trades-specific niche player with overlapping curriculum.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCj3IkPxfJJ76Qdprs1WwtJg
• Facebookfacebook.com/atecadelaide
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/atec---adelaide-training-and-employment-centre
• Instagraminstagram.com/atecadelaide

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Adelaide Training and Employment Center