We get asked these questions every week. Here are honest answers from Emma Donegan, Training Manager at Jim’s Group. This article covers seven of the most common questions about what to expect when you come to the Jim’s Group training centre.
Watch the video above, or keep reading for the full Q&A.
How Many People Attend Jim’s Group Training?
This week, the training group has 140 people, which Joel Kleber, host of the Jim’s Group Podcast, says is a record for Jim’s Group.
That gives new franchisees a realistic picture of the scale. This is not a small room with a handful of people. It is a large intake, with people arriving from different places and starting at the same time.
It also shows the size of the Jim’s Group system. A full room does not mean people are left on their own. It means the process needs to be organised, structured, and able to work well even with a large number of people.
Who Runs the Training and Supports New Franchisees?
Emma Donegan runs the training and acts as the main guide for new franchisees during the week.
When Joel asks how she handles such a large group, her answer is simple. She says she has a loud voice, a bubbly personality, and she just makes it work. It is a casual answer, but it tells people something useful. The training is led by someone whose job is to keep things moving, keep people comfortable, and make the room work.
That matters because many people arrive unsure of what to expect. Having one clear point of contact helps settle nerves early and gives the week a structure from the start.
What Happens Before You Arrive at the Jim’s Group Training Centre?
Before training starts, new franchisees go through a booking process and receive confirmation emails from Emma or Denise.
That means support starts before anyone walks into the room. People are not left to figure everything out on their own. There is already a process in place before the training week begins, and Emma is part of that manual process.
For people coming from interstate or anyone who feels unsure before day one, that early contact matters. It gives them clear communication before arrival and makes the whole experience feel more organised from the beginning. If someone is still at the enquiry stage, they can start by visiting this.
What Happens When You Arrive at the Training Centre?
When you arrive, the lecture theatre is already set up, gift packs are ready, morning and afternoon teas are organised, and all food is provided.
Emma also says she greets new franchisees at the conference centre and walks them up to the lecture theatre. That is a practical detail, but it matters. Instead of arriving and wondering where to go, people are met and guided straight in.
Emma is also clear about the emotional side of the experience. She says many new franchisees come in with anxiety and some fear about starting a new business. Her goal is to make sure they know they are supported, not just by her, but by their franchisor and the wider Jim’s Group team as a whole.
How Long Is Jim’s Group Training, and Does It Change by Division?
The core training runs for three days, but the total length can change depending on the division.
Emma explains that Monday to Wednesday is the shared training block for every single division. That part covers Jim’s Group and broader business topics, not just the practical side of one specific trade. Everyone starts there, regardless of which division they are joining.
After that, division-specific training begins. Some divisions stay on site, while others continue somewhere else. Emma gives clear examples. Mowing, cleaning, and dog wash stay on site after Wednesday to complete their specific training. The laundry division goes to Pascoe Vale to train at its head office. Test & Tag stays on site for at least two weeks.
So the short answer is simple. If you are only doing the generic training, it is three days. If your division needs more specialised training, it extends from there. That is why one of the most common questions during the week is how long people will be there and what applies to their specific division. If you are still deciding where you fit, check this out.
Do You Need to Sign a Contract Before Attending Training?
No, you do not need to sign a contract before coming to training.
Joel says this is one of the things that makes Jim’s Group different. People can come in, do the full training, and experience the process before they sign. If they do not sign, that is okay. The point is to let people see what the business is about and make an informed decision.
Emma reinforces that. She says if someone is interested in coming to training just to understand what Jim’s Group is about, get to know the team, and feel comfortable with the process, they are more than welcome to do that. She also makes another important point. Jim’s Group strongly encourages people to read their contracts thoroughly and ask questions.
That matters because this part of the process is about clarity, not pressure. Prospective franchisees are given the chance to ask what they need to ask, understand what they are signing, and make a decision based on real experience rather than guesswork. For extra background before attending, read this.
Why Do People Choose a Jim’s Franchise, and What Holds Them Back?
People choose a Jim’s franchise because they want to take action, while fear is often what holds them back.
Emma says one of the things she admires about the people who come into the lecture theatre is that they are not sitting back saying, “I wish.” They are doing something about what they want. They are taking the next step instead of staying stuck.
At the same time, she is honest about the barrier. Starting a business can be frightening, especially for people who worry they will not have enough support behind them. Emma says that is exactly where Jim’s Group makes a difference. When people come into Jim’s, they do have support.
That support also includes practical guidance during training. Joel and Emma both stress that there is no such thing as a silly question. Some people arrive with business experience. Others have none at all. Emma says that it is fine because the point of coming to Jim’s Group is to learn the tools needed to run a business.
Why Do Many People Choose Franchising for Better Work-Life Balance?
One of the biggest reasons people choose to operate a franchise is better work-life balance.
Emma says many people who come through training are leaving high-pressure jobs. She specifically mentions teachers and police officers, describing them as people coming from pressure cooker roles where they no longer want that kind of lifestyle. What they want instead is more time with their children, more time with family, and more control over their days.
She says many of them are trying to find happiness in life again. For them, the appeal of franchising is not just income. It is the ability to manoeuvre their own schedules and build a working life that suits their family.
Joel adds another useful point here. Partners can come for free, which helps people make the decision together. Emma says there are also many duos and families who come through, including father and son or mother and daughter combinations. That gives support partners a chance to understand the business concepts and get a feel for Jim’s Group as well.
There is also a strong community element once people arrive. Joel says many franchisees still look back on training years later as one of their favourite parts of joining Jim’s because of the bonds they form there. Emma says people are encouraged to connect with other franchisees, share contact details, and use those relationships to help grow their businesses in the wider community.
If you want to understand what the training is really like, the best next step is to read this, make an enquiry at jims.net, or call 131 546, attend, ask every question you have, and use the experience to decide whether Jim’s Group is the right fit for you.