As a strong advocate for apprenticeships and traineeships as valuable career pathways, BUSY At Work is urging businesses to employ an apprentice or trainee to help decrease youth unemployment in Australia.
The latest apprentice and trainee data published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) provides a picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity nationally and by state and territory.
The data shows there were more than 295,300 people undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship in Australia at the end of September 2015. This represents a decrease of 13.7% from September 2014.
More interestingly comparing the September 2015 quarter with the 2014 September quarter, commencements of apprenticeship and traineeships also decreased by 19.3% to 36 000. As well as this overall completions decreased by 6.0% to 27, 600, although trade completions increased by 18.1% to 11,800. Cancellations and withdrawals also decreased by 10.7% to 24, 000.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said the figures provided a worrying trend and it was important that businesses continue to invest in apprenticeships and traineeships.
“While unemployment levels have stayed steady during the past year, the number of young people unemployed is significantly higher. Youth unemployment remains a significant issue and employers need to seriously consider the potential long term effects this will have on our economy.”
“Apprenticeships and traineeships are a valuable career pathway. Hiring an apprentice or trainee can dramatically improve a business’s bottom line and ensure we have a strong stable economy,” Mr Miles said.
Currently there are over 600 apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications available ranging from certificate levels to advanced diplomas with plenty of support available for both the employer and the apprentice.
There is a wide choice of full and part time positions which gives businesses the flexibility they need to address critical skill shortages with qualifications taking on average one to four years to complete.
As an Australian Apprenticeship Support Services provider, BUSY provides Gateway Services which can assess a participant’s commitment and suitability to an apprenticeship before they start. This ensures the right people are matched with the right job from the very beginning.
Apprenticeships consist of a combination of on-the-job training, contributions by apprentices to production and classroom instruction.
Copies of Australian vocational education and training statistics: Apprentices and trainees 2015, September quarter are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2857.html
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
BUSY At Work
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
