VET News

Apprentice and Trainee Numbers are Growing

The most recent data on apprentice and trainee training activity show a strong increase in commencements in the March quarter of 2021. 

Compared with the March quarter 2020:

• Total commencements increased 35.4% to 66,635
• The total number of apprentices and trainees in-training as at 31 March 2021 increased by 20.7% to 329,585.

Apprentices and trainees 2021 – March quarter provides a national picture of apprenticeship and trainee activity, including both quarterly and annual figures that can be broken down by state and territory.

Commencements increased across trade (33.3%) and non-trade occupations (37.8%) when compared with the same quarter in 2020, with the largest absolute increases seen in construction trade workers, clerical and administrative workers, and community and personal service workers.

Across industry sectors, the largest absolute increases were in construction, accommodation, and health care and social assistance.

It was a different story for completions, with the number of completions in the March quarter 2021 down 1.2% for trade occupations and down 17.5% for non-trade occupations compared with the same quarter in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic and government stimulus responses have had big impacts on apprenticeship and traineeship numbers over the last 18 months, with notable increases and decreases in commencements, suspensions and completions at various stages of the pandemic. 

Due to the unusual trends in activity during this period, it will take some time before the full effects on the outcomes of training become clear, and these data should be interpreted with caution.

• Access the 2021 March Quarter statistics here.
• Access NCVER Media Release here.

Date posted Oct 28, 2021