The latest data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) show there were 349 235 apprentices and trainees in-training as at 31 December 2021, 16.8% higher than at the same time in 2020 and only slightly lower than at the end of the September quarter 2021.
In trade occupations, numbers were up 12.0% to 216 265 in-training as at 31 December 2021, while numbers in non-trade occupations were up 25.3% to 132 905.
“The number of apprentices and trainees in-training remain higher than in recent years largely as a result of the Australian Government’s Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy, said NCVER Managing Director Simon Walker.
“This scheme, introduced in early October 2020 to help recovery from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, lead to a notable increase in commencements over the past four quarters to September quarter 2021,” Mr Walker explained.
“While the number of commencements in the December quarter 2021 is down 32.2% from the December quarter 2020, it is still considerably higher than the same quarters in 2017, 2018 and 2019 before the onset of the pandemic.”
Compared with December quarter 2020, commencements in trade and non-trade occupations were down 31.1% and 32.9% respectively. The industry sectors with largest absolute decreases were Construction (36.7%), Manufacturing (48.5%) and Accommodation (28.4%).
Note: In-training figures reflects the number of active contracts at a given point in time (at the end of the quarter).
Background
Apprentices and trainees 2021 – December quarter released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity, including both quarterly and annual figures that can be broken down by state and territory. It also includes information on the main movements across various demographic and occupational categories.
Data products and resources for this release:
- Apprentices and trainees 2021 – December quarter Publication
- Apprentices and trainees 2021 - December quarter DataBuilder
- Apprentices and trainees estimates review dashboard: December quarter 2021
Enquiries: Mariane Umali M: 0406 824 184 E: marianeumali@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.