Novaskill

What Novaskill does

Novaskill is a non-profit Group Training Organisation (GTO) and Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 6996) trading as HGT Australia Ltd., headquartered in Broadmeadow (Newcastle), NSW, Australia, with 251-500 employees. Founded in 1980, the company has operated for over 45 years as one of Australia's most established GTOs, employing apprentices and trainees directly and matching them with host employers across hospitality, construction, electrical, business administration, and community services industries in regional NSW.

The company operates a multi-modal vocational education delivery model spanning classroom-based training at 6 branch locations (Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Mid North Coast, Coffs Coast, New England, Northern Rivers), online and self-paced study through the Catapult student learning portal, and work-based training via host employer placements. The product portfolio includes apprenticeships and traineeships (core GTO service), pre-apprenticeships, Certificate II-IV and Diploma level qualifications, and short courses such as Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG), NSW Food Safety Supervisor, Barista Skills, and Mental Health First Aid. Government recognition includes NSW/ACT Apprentice of the Year (2018), Indigenous Apprentice of the Year (2019), and Best WHS Management System at Hunter Safety Awards (2019).

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: NSW Government Smart and Skilled training subsidies, Group Training Organisation fees charged to host employers for apprentice/trainee management (recruitment, payroll, compliance, field officer support), and direct course fees from students (with concessional rates for eligible NSW residents). Distribution is direct-to-consumer via branch walk-ins, phone/email enquiry channels, and the website, with government and employer partnerships (NSW Department of Education's Educational Pathways Pilot Program, TAFE/RTO coordination, National Apprentice Employment Network membership) extending reach. The business model is structurally dependent on NSW VET funding policy and regional employer demand for skilled trades workers.

Name

Novaskill

Legal name

HGT Australia Ltd.

Website

https://novaskill.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Novaskill is a non-profit Group Training Organisation and Registered Training Organisation (RTO 6996) in regional NSW, Australia, employing apprentices and trainees and matching them with host employers across trades, hospitality, construction, and community services, while delivering accredited qualifications and short courses through 6 branches.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

TVET/Skills & Workforce Education Authorities (EDADAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Training Delivery Providers (In-Person, Virtual, Train-the-Trainer) (BPACANAM), Public Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers & Programs (EDAJAAAJ), Financial Services (Non-Banking) (EDABALAK)

Keywords

• Vocational education training
• Apprenticeship programs
• Traineeship services
• Group training organisation
• Short courses certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Broadmeadows

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government-Subsidised Training: Novaskill receives government subsidies from NSW Government Smart and Skilled program to deliver vocational education and training. Training is partially subsidised for eligible NSW residents including students, job seekers, and employers.
2. Group Training Organisation Fees: Novaskill charges employers fees for apprentice/trainee management services including recruitment, payroll processing, compliance, field officer support, and training coordination. These fees may be tax-deductible for businesses under section 8-1 of ITAA 1997.
3. Course Fees: Fees charged to students for nationally recognised qualifications and short courses. Pricing varies based on eligibility, with concessional rates available. Smart and Skilled funding may subsidise costs for eligible NSW students.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Novaskill is a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation and Group Training Organisation that recruits, employs and manages apprentices and trainees, matching them with host employers across regional NSW. It also delivers nationally recognised qualifications (Certificate II–Diploma) and short courses (RSA, RCG, Food Safety Supervisor, Barista Skills, Mental Health First Aid) through classroom, online and work-based delivery. Training is delivered via six NSW branches and subsidised under the NSW Government Smart and Skilled program.

Product overview

Novaskill is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 6996) operating as a Group Training Organisation (GTO) since 1980, providing vocational education and employment services across NSW, Australia. The company's core offerings consist of apprenticeship and traineeship management (where Novaskill employs the apprentice/trainee and matches them with host employers), full qualifications (Certificate II-IV and Diplomas in Business, Community Services, Hospitality, and Construction), and short courses (RSA, RCG, Food Safety Supervisor, Barista Skills). The product portfolio is delivered through multiple study modes (classroom, online, self-paced, work-based) and supported by 6 branch locations across NSW. Novaskill also offers pre-apprenticeship programs, school-based apprenticeship pathways (EPPP), and a student learning portal (Catapult). The company primarily serves job seekers seeking qualifications and careers, and employers seeking apprentice/trainee staffing solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sistahood: A program or initiative offered by Novaskill focused on supporting women in trades and training

Products and services

• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) One-day training course covering responsible alcohol service practices required by NSW liquor licensing law. Upon completion, students receive a nationally recognised accreditation and Liquor and Gaming NSW Competency Card (valid for 5 years). Unit code: SITHFAB021. Targeted at hospitality and licensed venue staff.
• Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) One-day training course covering responsible gambling services, harm minimisation, and gambling laws. Required for staff with gaming machine duties in licensed venues. Students receive a nationally recognised accreditation and Liquor and Gaming NSW Competency Card (valid for 5 years). Unit code: SITHGAM022.
• NSW Food Safety Supervisor Certificate Two-day face-to-face or self-paced course covering food safety practices. Upon completion, students receive a NSW Food Safety Certificate recognised by NSW Food Authority and a statement of attainment for SITXFSA005 and SITXFSA006 units. Targeted at hospitality and food service supervisors.
• Barista Skills One-day barista training covering coffee origins, extraction, milk texturing, and drink preparation. Available in Basic, Advanced, and Home Barista variants. Non-accredited unless otherwise stated. Targeted at hospitality workers and coffee enthusiasts.
• Certificate Qualifications (Business, Community Services, Hospitality, Construction) Nationally recognised Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma level qualifications across Business, Community Services and Aged Care, Hospitality, and Construction industries. Subsidised by NSW Government under Smart and Skilled program. Targeted at job seekers and career changers seeking formal qualifications.
• Apprenticeships and Traineeships Group Training Organisation (GTO) service employing apprentices and trainees and matching them with host employers. Covers traditional trades (chef, mechanic, plumber, builder) and vocational areas (office administration, IT, tourism). Novaskill manages payroll, compliance, and provides field officer support throughout the apprenticeship or traineeship. Targeted at job seekers and NSW businesses.
• Pre-Apprenticeships and Pre-Traineeships Introductory vocational training programs allowing students to try a trade before committing to a full apprenticeship. Includes work experience and may be fee-free for eligible NSW students aged 15-25. Targeted at pre-apprenticeship candidates considering trade careers.
• Educational Pathways Pilot Program (EPPP) Partnership with NSW Department of Education helping students into school-based apprenticeships and traineeships through mentoring and support, with focus on construction (carpentry) and business administration careers. Targeted at school-based apprentices and trainees.

Quantifiable outcome

• 82% of individuals who completed an apprenticeship or traineeship are employed after training
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered strategic and core.

• Department of Education (NSW)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Novaskill partners with the NSW Department of Education for the Educational Pathways Pilot Program (EPPP). The program launched in 2020 and focuses on helping students into school-based apprenticeships and traineeships through mentoring and support, expanding fee-free VET Smart & Skilled programs, and strengthening careers advice. Novaskill's focus is on construction, particularly carpentry.
• Training Services NSWcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining Services NSW has developed a video series for new supervisors or supervisors looking to refresh their knowledge. Novaskill directs employers to these free training videos covering topics including how to motivate learners, manage technology use, effective coaching techniques, learning styles, safety, and workplace diversity. The videos are freely available to help supervisors improve outcomes for apprentices and trainees.
• National and State Apprentice Employment NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNovaskill is an active member of the National and state Apprentice Employment Network, a peak body representing a network of independent, not-for-profit Group Training Organisations. This membership provides access to industry best practices, advocacy, and network support.
• TAFE and Other Registered Training OrganisationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNovaskill has strong local relationships with TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations. They coordinate with TAFE providers for formal training components of apprenticeships and traineeships, and maintain contact with teachers to ensure students stay on track.
• Host Employers (Various Businesses)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNovaskill matches apprentices and trainees with suitable host employers across various industries. Examples include HL Mullane and Sons (plumbing), JA Electrical (electrical), Eye Specialists (healthcare), and JA Martin (electrical). Host employers provide on-the-job training and employment while Novaskill handles payroll, compliance, and support.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Australian Training Company (ATC): Not-for-profit Group Training Organisation providing apprentice and trainee management services in NSW and other states. Closely comparable to Novaskill in GTO operations, RTO delivery, and target market.
• MEGT Australia: One of Australia's largest Group Training Organisations, providing apprentice and trainee employment services across multiple states. Directly comparable to Novaskill's GTO model, with national scale and similar apprenticeship/traineeship management offerings.
• BUSY At Work: Australian not-for-profit Group Training Organisation and employment services provider operating across multiple states. Directly competes with Novaskill in apprenticeship/traineeship placement and management, with similar community-led model.
• Sarina Russo Group: Large Australian provider of apprenticeship, traineeship, and employment services with RTO accreditation. Comparable to Novaskill in core GTO/employment services business, with broader national footprint and for-profit operating model.

Broad incumbents

• TAFE NSW: State-owned vocational education provider and the dominant public RTO in NSW. Competes with Novaskill on course delivery but does not operate the GTO employment model; serves as a training partner for Novaskill's formal apprenticeship components.
• MAX Solutions: National employment services and training provider, delivering apprenticeship support, jobactive, and Workforce Australia services. Comparable in employment-services orientation but with broader federal program delivery.

Emerging players

• Apprenticeship Support Australia: Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider helping employers and apprentices with sign-up, incentives, and support services. Adjacent to Novaskill's GTO services with federal program overlap.

Others

• National Apprentice Employment Network: Peak industry body representing Australia's Group Training Organisations, of which Novaskill is a member. Indirect peer — sets standards, advocates, and represents the GTO sector that Novaskill operates within.
• Master Builders Association of NSW: Industry association providing apprenticeship support and training services in NSW construction trades. Indirectly comparable through construction-trade apprenticeship focus; serves as both a potential partner and a competitor in Novaskill's core construction vertical.

Regional players

• Hospitality Training Network (HTN): Specialist hospitality-focused RTO and Group Training Organisation operating in Australia. Comparable in GTO model and RTO accreditation but with industry-specific (hospitality) focus versus Novaskill's multi-industry breadth.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check+out+%27Coffs+Coast%27+on+Novaskill+website&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnovaskill.com.au%2Fcontact%2Fcoffs-coast%2F%2F
• Facebookfacebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?display=popup&u=https%3A%2F%2Fnovaskill.com.au%2Fcontact%2Fcoffs-coast%2F

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Novaskill