Latest trend estimates show that the numbers of people starting trade and non-trade apprenticeships and traineeships have declined.
Released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), Apprentices and trainees 2014—early trend estimates, June quarter, provides seasonally adjusted and smoothed data at the national level for trade and non-trade apprentice commencements.
Estimates show there were 21 700 commencements in trade apprenticeships or traineeships in the June 2014 quarter, down 1200 from March 2014 quarter. The number of trade commencements has declined for three consecutive quarters, from the September 2013 quarter.
“We know from our research that commencements in trade apprenticeships closely follow the economic cycle”, said Ms Sue Fergusson, Acting Managing Director, NCVER.
Commencements in non-trade apprenticeships or traineeships declined from 31 100 in the March 2014 quarter to 28 800 in the June 2014 quarter. The latest estimation shows commencements in non-trade apprenticeships or traineeships have declined in each quarter over the last year.
“Following the changes to commencement incentives paid to employers, the number of starting non-trade apprentices and trainees decreased. Time will tell if a new pattern will emerge”, said Ms Fergusson.
NCVER will release detailed apprenticeship and traineeship information later this month, with the release of the March 2014 quarterly data. This information will include national and state/territory level in-training, completion, and cancellation and withdrawal data. Apprenticeship and traineeship data for the June quarter 2014 will be published in December 2014.
Copies of Apprentices and trainees 2014—early trend estimates, June quarter are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2747.html
Copies of Apprenticeships and traineeships in the downturn are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2197.html
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