Latest apprentice and trainee statistics released

31 May 2006

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has released the latest apprentice and trainee statistics for the Australian vocational education and training system.

Overall, the number of apprentices and trainees in-training as at 31 December 2005 remained steady at 389 000, down 0.4% from the end of December 2004.

When comparing apprentice and trainee activity in the year ending 31 December 2005 to the previous year, the statistics show:

• the number of people commencing an apprenticeship or traineeship grew by 3% to 264 700

• the number of people completing an apprenticeship or traineeship rose by 2% to 138 700

• the number of people cancelling or withdrawing from an apprenticeship or traineeship increased by 4%, to 130 300.

The number of people undertaking a 'traditional apprenticeship' has grown, up 11% from the previous year to 148 400 as at 31 December 2005.

ENDS

To download a copy of the Australian vocational education and training statistics: Apprentices and trainees, December quarter 2005 – Summary, please visit http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1689.html

This publication contains information about apprentices and trainees; those people who are undertaking vocational training through contracted arrangements. The publication includes information about their personal, employment and training contact characteristics. State and territory breakdowns are also contained in this publication.

Media enquiries to: Anna Payton, Marketing Officer, or Colleen Young, Manager, Marketing Services on +61 8 8230 8400.