CORE is a Victorian Group Training Organisation built for the construction and infrastructure sectors. As the legal employer of every apprentice we place, CORE carries the training contract, the welfare obligations and the compliance responsibility for the full duration of the apprenticeship. Apprentices gain real on-site experience and a clear pathway to qualification. Industry partners gain motivated, supported tradespeople. Both sides benefit when the placement is set up properly.
CORE is a VRQA-registered Group Training Organisation. The GTO model is structurally different to a labour hire arrangement. Apprentices are employed by CORE, not by the host site where they complete their day-to-day work. CORE holds the training contract, manages the regulatory side, and stays involved through every stage of the apprenticeship.
Apprentice wellbeing sits at the heart of how CORE operates. Field Officers visit sites regularly, run progress reviews and step in early when something needs attention. Small issues get resolved before they grow into barriers to completion. Completion is the single most important measure of whether an apprenticeship has worked.
Behind CORE is more than 30 years of construction and infrastructure experience through MC Labour Group. That heritage provides deep industry relationships, robust governance and proven systems. CORE operates as an independent brand, focused on apprentice careers and industry partner outcomes.
To create real pathways into construction careers, connecting motivated apprentices with good employers, quality training and mentoring that builds skills, confidence and a career that lasts.
To be recognised as Australia’s most trusted Group Training Organisation, creating the next generation of highly skilled, work-ready tradespeople who will shape the future of construction and infrastructure.
Three values guide how CORE works, how we treat people, and how we support the industries we serve. They sit at the heart of our mission, and they are not negotiable.
PEOPLE, Putting people first.
People are at the centre of everything CORE does. Apprentices are supported to grow safely and confidently. CORE works closely with employers and trainers to create positive, respectful learning environments where everyone can succeed.
SERVICE, Empowering service excellence.
CORE is a trusted partner to apprentices, industry partners and training providers. Getting the match right, communicating clearly and responding quickly are the foundations of how we operate.
SUSTAINABILITY, Building long-term value.
Every apprenticeship is a pathway to a career, not just a qualification. By promoting safe workplaces, fair opportunities and continuous improvement, CORE helps build a strong, skilled workforce for the future.
Your qualification is nationally recognised and legitimate.
A real person who knows your name, visits your site, and steps in early.
Success is measured by completion, not just by starting an apprenticeship.
Strong applicants are 18 years or older, have completed Year 12 or equivalent with solid literacy and numeracy, are physically fit, hold or are working toward a driver’s licence with reliable transport, and are an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The fitness wording differs slightly by trade: electrical says comfortable working at heights or in confined spaces; plumbing says comfortable with hands-on work in varied conditions; carpentry says comfortable with hands-on work in varied weather conditions.
A nationally recognised Certificate III qualification that meets Energy Safe Victoria’s licensing requirements; full-time over four years, subject to satisfactory progress and competency. Plumbing: Certificate III in Plumbing, meeting the requirements for VBA plumbing registration in Victoria; full-time over approximately four years. Carpentry: Certificate III in Carpentry; typically three to four years — residential often within three, commercial up to four.
CORE. We are the legal employer for the full duration of the apprenticeship. CORE pays wages, manages superannuation and looks after all employment obligations. The industry partner provides the day-to-day supervision and on-the-job training.
Full-time is typically 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Overtime or weekend work may be required on some projects. Off-the-job training is scheduled alongside paid work, usually one day per week or in blocks. Trade-specific details: electrical start times around 7:00am to 3:30pm, with off-the-job adding approximately 8 hours per week (one day per week or in blocks of four days every four to five weeks); plumbing start times around 7:00am, with training blocks depending on the RTO and host site; carpentry early starts on most sites, with training blocks depending on the RTO and host site.
Tuition fees are set by the RTO delivering the qualification, and government subsidies or concessions may apply for eligible apprentices. Budget for mandatory tickets and licences (approximately $50 to $200 each), additional PPE and tools, and any medical or induction costs not covered by the host site. (Electrical specifies PPE and tools at approximately $200 to $500 and medical or induction costs at approximately $100 to $300.)
Your job and your training contract remain with CORE. If a placement ends or is not the right fit, we work with you to find another suitable host site. Progress toward the qualification is not affected.
Whether you want to start an apprenticeship or host one, CORE makes it simple. Get in touch.
