Apprentice and trainee commencements increased to 85 470 in the March quarter 2022, the highest quarterly level since the June quarter 2012 (126 180).
The latest data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that apprentice and trainee commencements increased by 23.6% in the March quarter 2022 compared with the same quarter last year.
Commencements in non-trade occupations contributed most to the increase, with numbers 41.1% higher than the March quarter 2021. Clerical and Administrative Workers, Community and Personal Service Workers, and Sales Workers had the highest absolute commencements in non-trade occupations. Commencements in trade occupations rose by 7.8%.
The industry sectors with the largest absolute increases in commencements compared to March quarter 2021 were Accommodation (51.0%), Manufacturing (37.7%), and Administrative and Support Services (21.7%).
A total of 387 830 apprentices and trainees were in-training as at 31 March 2022, an increase of 17.1% compared with the same time last year.
“The increase in commencements coincided with an improvement in business activity as COVID-19 restrictions eased and a general increase in demand for workers,” explained NCVER Managing Director Simon Walker.
“It also reflects the ongoing financial support available through the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy, which has been extended to the end of June 2022,” said Mr Walker.
Completions also grew nationally by 11.5% in the March quarter 2022 compared with the same quarter in 2021. Completions in trade occupations increased by 9.6% while those in non-trade occupations rose by 13.8%. By industry, the largest absolute increases in completions were in the Construction, Accommodation, and Retail Trade sectors.
Background:
Apprentices and trainees 2022 – March quarter provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity, including both quarterly and annual figures that can be broken down by state and territory.
Related resources:
- DataBuilder: Apprentices and trainees 2022 – March quarter
- Supporting information (including terms and definitions, and adjustment notes)
Enquiries: Mariane Umali M: 0406 824 184 E: marianeumali@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.