Group Training companies are community-based organizations which aim to maximize employment opportunities and the quality of training for local people and local employers. They are private, non-profit companies with a Board of Directors made up of local business people. Group Training employs apprentices and leases them out to local 'host' employers. SMGT organizes training for each apprentice, including movement between employers if necessary. SMGT remains the legal employer of the apprentice. SMGT started in 1983 and has grown into one of the most vital employers in the region.