Labour force figures released yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that unemployment has fallen by 0.2 per cent to now stand at 5.8 per cent in February 2016.
Encouragingly, youth unemployment has also fallen by 0.4 percentage points in February 2016 and now sits at 12.2 percentage points.
The Minister for Employment, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said that yesterday’s data continue to reflect a steadily improving labour market.
While the participation rate fell 0.2 per cent this month it still remains 0.1 percentage points higher than it was this time last year.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said that while these employment figures are a sign that we are heading in the right direction, apprenticeships and traineeships continue to be undervalued and are falling dramatically.
“The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) recently released data which shows apprenticeship commencements have decreased by a substantial 19.3 per cent from September 2014 to September 2015 alone. BUSY At Work continue to call all employers and businesses to invest in the future by taking on an apprentice or trainee,” Mr Miles said.
There are over 600 apprenticeships and traineeships available and plenty of support for the employer and the apprentice. As an Australian Apprenticeship Support Services provider, BUSY At Work are there to provide full support throughout the life of the apprenticeship or traineeship.
The Australian Government also provide support through incentives and funding for eligible employers and apprentices.
For further information call 13 BUSY (12 28 79) or visit www.busyatwork.com.au
Further details are in the February 2016 issue of Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6202.0), as well as the upcoming February 2016 issue of Labour Force, Australia, Detailed- Electronic Delivery (cat. no. 6291.0.55.001) due for release on March 24. These publications are available for free download from the ABS website: www.abs.gov.au
Media Contact
Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator BUSY At Work
0438 173 960 Leanne.Macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
