Latest data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) show apprentice and trainee commencements grew nationally to 47 785 (or by 114.0%) in the June quarter 2021 compared with the same quarter in 2020.
The rise in the June quarter continues the trend from the previous two quarters in which commencements increased by 40.0% from the March quarter 2020 to 2021 and by 150.0% from the December quarter 2019 to 2020.
The increase in the June quarter was reported across nearly all industry sectors, with the largest absolute increases occurring in construction (up 5275 or 96.0%), administrative and support services (up 4300 or 294.0%) and accommodation (up 2995 or 110.4%).
Commencements in trade group occupations increased to 20 905 (or by 115.5%) and to 26 875 (or by 112.9%) in non-trade group occupations compared with June quarter 2020.
As at 30 June 2021, there were 341 385 apprentices and trainees in-training, an increase of 73 665 (or 27.5%) compared with 30 June 2020.
Compared with the June quarter 2020, completions were up 21.2% to 17 795 in the June quarter 2021.
Background
Apprentices and trainees 2021 – June quarter provides a national picture of apprenticeship and trainee activity, including both quarterly and annual figures that can be broken down by state and territory.
This quarter’s report comes in a new format, with an improved presentation that allows users to quickly find summaries, patterns, and insights within a single publication.
New features include an interactive map that shows highlights from each state and territory. Users can also compare state and territory data based on different demographics, and view quarterly and rolling 12-month data for commencements, completions, cancellations or withdrawals and in-training.
Quote attributable to Simon Walker, Managing Director, NCVER
Annual apprentice and trainee commencements are at their highest level since the year ending June 2014. Numbers increased in all states and territories and across nearly all industry sectors.
Data products and resources for this release:
- Apprentices and trainees
- Apprentices and trainees 2021 – June quarter DataBuilder
- Apprentices and trainees estimates review dashboard: June quarter 2021
- Historical time series of apprenticeships and traineeships in Australia from 1963 to 2021
- Historical time series of apprenticeships and traineeships in Australia: infographic
- Access to VOCSTATS data cubes for registered users (free to register)
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 Education, Skills and Employment.