NCVER
published 2000

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide information on trends over the years 1995 to 1998 in the realm of contracts of training in vocational education and training in the mechanical engineering and fabrication trade occupations in Australia. Initial raw data are also provided for 1999. This information will be used to provide an indication of where skill shortages may be occurring or likely to occur in relation to specific mechanical engineering and fabrication trade occupations.The mechanical engineering and fabrication trade occupations for which apprentice and trainee data are considered in this report are:

• Mechanical engineering trades (ASCO code 411)
• Fabrication engineering trades (412)
• Mechanical engineering associate professionals (3125)
• Metallurgical and materials technician (3129-13).

A more detailed, sub-category investigation of apprentice and trainee numbers is provided for each of these trade occupation areas.

Comparisons of apprentice and trainee numbers are also made with projections of employment growth in the mechanical engineering and fabrication trade occupations.

Provision of this information will help to identify skill shortages for, or within, particular mechanical engineering and fabrication trade occupations or whether current shortages in trade occupations are likely to be overcome in the short-term.

Factors including widespread technological changes, the requirement of trade industries for more highly skilled and productive apprentices, increased competition in world trade and the need to improve the transition from school to work have had a major impact on the employment-based training system in Australia.

The government has reformed the apprenticeship and trainee system by making it more flexible and responsive to employer needs and ensuring that quality training is provided. The new training arrangements covering apprenticeships and traineeships are collectively known as New Apprenticeships which the government began introducing from 1 January 1998.

This report focuses on providing more detailed information on such factors as trends in numbers in training, commencements and completions, in relation specifically to mechanical engineering and fabrication trade occupation contracts of training (that is, predominately apprenticeships). This information is provided in the context of relevant economic and labour market information.

The employment forecast information utilised in this report is based on the data provided by Chris Murphy and Justin Douglas of Econtech in their report commissioned by the NCVER entitled The Outlook for Jobs.