March quarter apprentice and trainee statistics released

6 September 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 March 2006 remained steady at 403 600, down 0.1% from the end of March 2005.

Comparing apprentice and trainee activity for the year ending 31 March 2006 with the previous year, the statistics show:

• the number of people commencing an apprenticeship or traineeship increased by 5% to 271 100

• the number of people completing an apprenticeship or traineeship grew by 6% to 142 600

• the number of people cancelling or withdrawing from an apprenticeship or traineeship rose by 6% to 133 100.

The number of people undertaking a 'traditional apprenticeship' has grown, up 10% from the previous year to 158 500 as at 31 March 2006.

ENDS

An electronic copy of Australian vocational education and training statistics: Apprentices and trainees, March Quarter 2006, can be accessed from
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1706.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, Marketing Services on +61 8 8230 8400.