Latest apprentice and trainee statistics released

8 June 2007

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has released the December 2006 quarter apprentice and trainee statistics for the Australian vocational education and training system.

Overall, there were 397 400 apprentices and trainees in-training as at 31 December 2006 compared to 395 000 the previous year.

Statistics comparing apprentice and trainee activity for the year ending 31 December 2006 with the previous year show:

• the number of people commencing an apprenticeship or traineeship increased by 2% to 266 100 
  
• the number of people completing an apprenticeship or traineeship rose by 5% to 142 500 
  
• the number of people cancelling or withdrawing from an apprenticeship or traineeship grew by 2% to 128 700

As at 31 December 2006, the number of people undertaking a 'traditional apprenticeship' increased to 159 400, up 8% from the previous year.

ENDS

An electronic copy of Australian vocational education and training statistics: Apprentices and trainees, December quarter 2006 - Summary, can be accessed from http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1793.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 contract characteristics. State and territory breakdowns are also contained in this publication.

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