The number of people starting apprenticeships and traineeships declined by 21.9% to 192 000 in 2014 compared with 2013, according to the latest release of apprentice and trainee data.
Published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), Apprentices and trainees 2014 - December quarter shows that overall there were 316 400 apprentices and trainees in-training on 31 December 2014, a decrease of 18.3% compared with 31 December 2013.
Comparing data from the year (to 31 December 2014) with 2013, the number of apprenticeship and traineeship:
- commencements in trade occupations decreased 16.9%
- commencements in non-trade occupations decreased 25.3%
- completions decreased 17.8%
- cancellations and withdrawals decreased by 7.6%.
“In view of the subdued labour market conditions last year we expected to see fewer people commencing apprenticeships and traineeships”, said Dr Mette Creaser, National Manager, Statistics and Analytics.
“Taking into account the usual decrease in commencements in the December quarter because fewer employers put on apprentices and trainees at this time of year, the data indicates the rate of decline has slowed through the year”.
Commencements decreased 2.9% in the December 2014 quarter compared with the final quarter of 2013.
Preliminary analysis of the March 2015 quarter suggests that commencements have increased 17.4% compared with December 2014 quarter.
Copies of Australian vocational education and training statistics: Apprentices and trainees 2014 – December quarter are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2790.html
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