Latest trend estimates show the number of people starting trade and non-trade apprenticeships and traineeships have increased for the first time in more than a year.
Published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), Apprentices and trainees 2014 – early trend estimates, September quarter, provides seasonally adjusted and smoothed data at the national level for trade and non-trade apprentice and trainee commencements.
Estimates show non-trade commencements increased from 27 400 in the June 2014 quarter to 28 800 in the September 2014 quarter. This is the first increase following four consecutive quarters of decline.
Trade commencements also increased from 20 900 in the June 2014 quarter to 21 500 in the September 2014 quarter, following three consecutive quarters of decline.
“It is reassuring to see some growth in apprentice and trainee numbers following a downward trend over the past year or so” said Sue Fergusson, General Manager Statistics, NCVER
Paul Miles, CEO BUSY At Work welcomed the latest trend estimates. “This is very positive news for industry and jobseekers and along with support programs recently introduced through state and federal government we can expect this growth to continue.
“The Queensland Pledge from across all Queensland regional areas have been strong, and has already reached the half way mark of the June 2015 target with more than 3600 additional apprenticeships in Queensland pledged, Mr Miles said.
In the six weeks since it was launched more than 1100 employers, including many small to medium sized employers, have become involved in this new initiative.
Pledges from across all Queensland regional areas have been strong, and interest has been particularly positive from the electrical, civil construction, engineering, carpentry and hairdressing industries.
Under the Queensland Apprenticeship Pledge, eligible employers who make a pledge will be paid an incentive of up to $6000 for each additional apprentice they take on above their benchmark and retain for two years.
The pledge supports the Queensland Government’s $86 million commitment to create 10,000 additional apprenticeships over six years.
Apprentices and trainees 2014 – June quarter will be released by NCVER in early December 2014. The June 2014 quarterly data provides detailed information, and includes national and state/territory level in-training, completion and cancellation and withdrawal data.
Copies of Apprentices and trainees 2014 – early trend estimates, September quarter, are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2764.html
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MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
