Figures release last week by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) show the number of people starting an apprenticeship or traineeship is up 2.9% for the September 2016 quarter, compared with the September 2015 quarter however, the increase is not from our trade occupations.
The NCVER attributed the overall 17% increase to 23,400, in non-trade commencements which include hospitality workers (up 600); and sales assistants and sales people (up 500).
Trade commencements, decreased by 14% to 14,400. The main occupations contributing to the decline were other technicians and trades workers such as gas/petroleum and chemical plant operators (down 800); construction trades workers, such as plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters and joiners (down 600); and electrotechnology and telecommunication workers (down 500).
According to the NCVER September 2016 findings, the total apprentices and trainees in-training decreased by 5.7% (278,500) from 30 September 2015.
Highlights
In-training as at 30 September 2016
There were 278,500 apprentices and trainees in-training as at
30 September 2016, a decrease of 5.7% from 30 September 2015.
Quarterly training activity
In the September quarter 2016, compared with the September quarter
2015:
- commencements increased by 2.9%, to 37,800
- completions decreased by 15.6%, to 22,800
- cancellations and withdrawals increased by 11.9%, to 25,300
Training activity: 12-month ending series
In the 12 months ending 30 September 2016, compared with the
12 months ending 30 September 2015:
- commencements decreased by 3.8%, to 169,700
- completions decreased by 18.4%, to 103,200
- cancellations and withdrawals decreased by 3.3%, to 97,000
NCVER has produced this work on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Department of Education and Training.
NCVER is the national custodian of data about Australia’s VET system, including apprentice and trainee data. It is a not-for-profit, independent company owned by the Commonwealth, state and territory Ministers responsible for training
