Is paper training transitioning to outdoor training a puppy good, since I can't be home all the time?

I have a puppy, finally, and it’s my first ‘real’ pet also. To add to that, my brother got her brother. =D They are both lab mixed with collie. Also, I have been continuously researching to see tips and best methods for puppies, but I’m stuck about the paper training to outdoor potty training. I won’t be home with her all the time till summer comes around. I’ll be gone for at least 6 to 7 hours =\, but at least she has a companion. I read somewhere that it is good to have a dog in a crate (with the door open) with a papered down area while I’m gone, and then progressively get outdoors. I really need some good advice since this is my first puppy and my brother’s also. Thank you!