The number of people starting apprenticeships and traineeships has decreased in the September quarter 2012 according to early estimates out today.
Released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), Apprentices and trainees 2012—early trend estimates, September quarter , provides seasonally adjusted data at the national level for apprentice and trainee commencements.
Estimates show that trainee commencements declined in the September quarter 2012, after three quarters of strong growth.
Trainee commencements in the September quarter 2012 were 52 700, compared to 77 900 in the June quarter 2012.
Trade apprentice commencements slowed to 22 600 in the September quarter 2012, from 26 000 in the June quarter 2012.
Commencement figures are currently fluctuating as a result of changes to Commonwealth incentive payments for existing workers which came into effect on 1 July 2012.
“The impact of changes to apprentice and trainee incentive payments will more clearly emerge in forthcoming quarters,” said Ms Sandra Pattison, General Manager, Statistics, NCVER.
“It remains to be seen whether commencements return to previous levels.”
NCVER will release detailed apprenticeship and traineeship information in December, with the release of the June 2012 quarterly data. This information will include national and state/territory level in-training, completion, and cancellation and withdrawal data.
Copies of Apprentices and trainees 2012—early trend estimates, September quarter are available from: www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2584.html
Media enquiries: Linda Hein, Marketing Officer 08 8230 8400