The latest release of national apprentice and trainee data show there were 259 930 apprentices and trainees in-training as at 31 December 2019, down 1.6% from 31 December 2018.
Apprentices and trainees 2019 — December quarter, published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity and includes both annual and quarterly figures that can be broken down by state and territory.
Overall commencements in the 12 months ending 31 December 2019 were down 3.6% from the previous 12 months.
Trade commencements were down 4.8%, with the biggest decrease seen in construction trades workers (down 11.7%).
Non-trade commencements were down 2.5%, with the biggest decreases seen in hospitality workers (down 15.0%) and sports and personal service workers (down 10.7%).
Completions in the 12 months ending 31 December 2019 saw a minor increase of 1.0% from the previous 12 months, with noticeable increases in completions recorded for construction trades workers (up 7.6%), skilled animal and horticultural workers (up 13.0%), sports and personal service workers (up 22.0%) and hospitality workers (up 9.2%).
Australian VET statistics: Apprentices and trainees 2019 — December quarter is available at www.ncver.edu.au/publications.
A series of state comparisons are also available with this release, allowing users to compare apprentice and trainee data across states and territories.
For more information on employment outcomes, reasons for non-completion, and satisfaction with training for apprentices and trainees, view Apprentice and trainee experiences and destinations 2019.
Media enquiries: Helen Wildash M: 0448 043 148 E: communications@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.