New data released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) indicate trends in apprentice and trainee commencements are returning to historical patterns.
The Apprentices and trainees 2023: December quarter report shows there were 343 640 apprentices and trainees in-training at the end of the December 2023, an 32 980 (or 8.8%) decrease when compared with December 2022. This is a continuation of the decline seen immediately after the COVID era Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements (BAC) scheme was ceased for new commencements on 30 June 2022.
As at 31 December 2023, the largest year on year decrease in in-training numbers was in Clerical and Administrative Workers, which decreased by 18 235 (or 44.5%).
While the number of apprentices and trainees in-training has been declining since the BAC scheme ceased, the data indicate that commencements are returning to historical trends. Commencements in the December quarter 2023 (35 240) were consistent with the median number of commencing contracts across the last 8 December quarters from 2015 (35 230).
Commencements in the December quarter 2023 were 2.4% higher than December quarter 2022. There were 17 010 commencements in trade occupations in the December quarter 2023, up 0.9% compared with December quarter 2022, and 18 225 commencements in non-trade occupations in the December quarter 2023, an increase of 3.9% compared to December quarter 2022.
Background:
Apprentices and trainees 2023: December 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.
Download the report: Apprentices and trainees 2023: December quarter
Related resources:
- 10 year time series: Apprentices and trainees 2023: December quarter
- DataBuilder: Apprentices and trainees 2023: December quarter
- Excel tables: Apprentices and trainees estimates review dashboard: December quarter 2023
Supporting information (including terms and definitions, and adjustment notes)
Enquiries: Chantal Deutrom P: +61 8 8230 8418 E: chantaldeutrom@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.