Latest apprentice and trainee statistics released

5 December 2008

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has released the June 2008 quarter apprentice and trainee statistics for the Australian vocational education and training system.

Overall, there were 428 100 apprentices and trainees in-training as at 30 June 2008, an increase of 3% from the previous year.

Statistics comparing apprentice and trainee activity for the year ending 30 June 2008 with the previous year show:

• the number of people commencing an apprenticeship or traineeship increased by 7% to 290 000
• the number of people completing an apprenticeship or traineeship rose by 4% to 148 400
• the number of people cancelling or withdrawing from an apprenticeship or traineeship grew by 8% to 139 000.

As at 30 June 2008, the number of people undertaking trades apprenticeships was 203 500. Compared with a year earlier, there was a 12% increase in commencements for trades apprenticeships.

An electronic copy of Australian vocational education and training statistics: Apprentices and trainees, June quarter 2008, can be accessed from 9.30am AEDT on 5 December 2008, from http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2092.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 the publication.

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