New quarterly apprenticeship data released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows the number of apprenticeship and traineeship contracts in-training in Australia declined by 7.9% in the year to 31 March 2025. The fall was mainly due to a continued reduction in commencements and an increase in trade completions.
Apprenticeship contract commencements across trade occupations fell 1.8% over the year, in line with some softening in the general labour market despite continued employment demand in these occupations. Commencements declined among Construction (down 4.2%) and Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers (down 3%), while Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers commencements rose 2.6%. At a state and territory level, trade commencements increased in South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, but fell elsewhere.
NCVER Managing Director John King said, ‘the results show that labour market demand is not yet translating into more people starting an apprenticeship’.
‘We know employment growth and skills shortages in the trades remain strong, yet commencements are not increasing in line with that demand in all jurisdictions.
In contrast, trade completions increased by 11.6% in the March quarter. Completions among Construction Trade Workers grew 19.9%, with strong growth among Bricklayers and Carpenters and Joiners, while Automotive and Engineering Trade Worker completions increased by 16.7%
Non-trade apprenticeships and traineeships continued to record larger falls, with commencements and completions down 14.1% and 11.1% respectively from the March quarter 2024. These shifts reflect changes in government funding priorities, with fewer government incentives available for non-trade training. Exceptions to this trend were completions in Child Carers (up 82.3%) and Aged and Disabled Carers (up 428.9%), strengthening the workforce in critical care sectors.
Figure 1 Apprentice and trainee contracts in-training as at 31 March by trade status, 2018-25 (‘000)
Background:
Apprentices and trainees 2025: March quarter provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity, including both quarterly and annual contract of training figures that can be broken down by state and territory.
‘In-training’ refers to apprenticeship and traineeship contracts that are still active, meaning they have not been completed, cancelled, withdrawn, or expired without meeting all prescribed program requirements.
Download the report Apprentices and trainees 2025: March quarter.
Enquiries: Tari Wagland P: +61 8 8230 8464 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 Employment and Workplace Relations.