New data released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows a decline in the total number of apprentices and trainees in-training as of the end of March 2024, with differences emerging across trade and non-trade occupations.
The Apprentices and trainees 2024: March quarter report shows there were 351 695 apprentices and trainees in-training at the end of March 2024, a decrease of 34 570 (8.9%) when compared with the same time in 2023.
Most of this decline occurred in non-trade occupations, which fell by 30 585 (21.3%) to 112 895. Over half of this decrease was in Clerical and Administrative Workers (down 16 610), particularly in occupations such as Office and Practice Managers (down 6365) and General Clerks (down 6055), across all industry sectors.
There was a relatively small decrease in trade occupations, with numbers down by 3945 (1.6%) to 238 765 when compared with the end of March 2023. The largest declines were among Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians (down 2980) and Food Trades workers (down 2100), but these were partially offset by increases among Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers (up 3115) and Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers (up 2115).
Figure 1 In-training contracts as at 31 March, 2017-24 (‘000)
Source: National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), National Apprentice and Trainee collection no. 120, June 2024 estimates.
NCVER Managing Director John King said, ‘Trade and non-trade occupations appear to be on different trajectories.
‘Trade in-training numbers have declined by 4.3% since their peak in June 2022 and are still nearly 30% higher than the pre-pandemic trend. In contrast, non-trades have decreased 36.9% since the June 2022 peak, falling back to around 20% above pre-pandemic levels.’
Background:
Apprentices and trainees 2024: March 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.
In-training refers to the number of apprenticeship/traineeship training contracts where the apprentice/trainee is actively training under the terms of their contract, and who have not completed, cancelled or withdrawn from their training, or had their training contract expired without meeting all of the prescribed requirements of their program at a given point in time.
Download the report: Apprentices and trainees 2024: March quarter
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.