Figures released today, by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), show the number of people starting an apprenticeship or traineeship is up 2.9% for the September 2016 quarter, compared with the September 2015 quarter.
The overall increase can be attributed to a 17% increase to 23 400, in non-trade commencements. Non-trade occupations recording increases include hospitality workers (up 600); and sales assistants and sales persons (up 500).
Trade commencements, however, decreased by 14% to 14 400. The main occupations contributing to the decline were other technicians and trades workers such as gas/petroleum and chemical plant operators (down 800); construction trades workers, such as plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters and joiners (down 600); and electrotechnology and telecommunication workers (down 500).
A total of 278 500 apprentices and trainees were in-training as at 30 September 2016, a decrease of 5.7% from 30 September 2015.
Australian vocational education and training statistics: Apprentices and trainees 2016, September quarter is available from: www.ncver.edu.au/publications/publications/all-publications/apprentices-and-trainees-2016-September-quarter
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Department of Education and Training.
NCVER is the national custodian of data about Australia’s VET system, including apprentice and trainee data. It is a not-for-profit, independent company owned by the Commonwealth, state and territory Ministers responsible for training.
Media contact: Rebecca Farrell, T: 08 8230 8418 M: 0407 608 409