New quarterly data released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows trade commencements increased by 12.5% in the December quarter 2025 compared with the same quarter in 2024.
The increase was driven largely by key shortage occupations, including Electricians (up 18.2%), Plumbers (up 12.2%), Carpenters and Joiners (up 11.9 %), and Motor Mechanics (up 8.5%). More broadly, growth was also seen across construction trades, with commencements increasing by 11.7% to 3,985.
The Apprentices and trainees 2025: December quarter report also shows non-trade commencements declined by 2.3%, although this was partly offset by strong growth in Welfare Support Workers, where commencements almost tripled, and Aged and Disabled Carers, which increased by around one-third.
While quarterly results indicate improvement in trade commencements, longer term trends remain subdued. Trade apprenticeship commencements were down 4.2% in the 12 months to December 2025 compared with the previous 12 months. This reflects various factors including softening labour market conditions, changes to government incentives and lower employer demand.
Apprenticeship completions present a mixed picture.
Trade completions increased by 8.1%, reflecting strong commencement activity between 2020 and 2022. Trade completions reached record highs for Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers, Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers, and Construction Trades Workers.
In contrast, non-trade completions declined by 11.8%, consistent with weaker commencement activity in more recent years.
NCVER Managing Director John King said the data pointed to encouraging signs in some trade areas, while highlighting ongoing uncertainty in the broader environment.
‘The increase in trade commencements and completions is encouraging, particularly in occupations experiencing workforce shortages such as electricians, motor mechanics and plumbers, as well as across construction trades more broadly’, said Mr King.
‘The outlook for trade commencements remains uncertain, as activity is closely linked to labour market conditions which have been softening recently. Quarterly movements can be volatile, so it will be important to monitor whether these results are sustained in coming releases’, he said.
Background:
Apprentices and trainees 2025: December 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: December quarter.
Enquiries: Elise Stone P: +61 8 8230 8443 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.