Trade commencements and completions up in September quarter 2019

Media release

16 March 2020

The latest release of national apprentice and trainee data show trade commencements were up 4.9% to 16 135 in the September quarter 2019 compared with the same quarter in 2018.

The biggest increases in trade commencements were seen in construction (up 8.8%) and automotive and engineering trades workers (up 4.2%).

Apprentices and trainees 2019 — September quarter, published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity and includes both quarterly and annual figures that can be broken down by state and territory.

Overall, apprentice and trainee commencements increased by 1.7% to 34 690 in the September quarter 2019 compared with the same quarter in 2018.

However non-trade commencements decreased by 1.0% to 18 515 over the same period, with the biggest decreases seen in hospitality workers (down 15.2%) and sports and personal service workers (down 24.5%).

There was a modest increase in completions in the September quarter 2019, up 1.3% when compared with the same quarter in 2018. Trade completions were up by 3.4%, while non-trade completions held relatively steady.

Overall there were 272 580 apprentices and trainees in-training as at 30 September 2019, down 0.5% from 30 September 2018.

The report Australian VET statistics: Apprentices and trainees 2019 — September quarter is available now.

A series of state comparisons are also available with this release, allowing users to compare apprentice and trainee data across states and territories. A data slicer is also available.

For more information on employment outcomes, reasons for non-completion, and satisfaction with training for apprentices and trainees, view Apprentice and trainee experiences and destinations 2019 on our Portal.

Media enquiries: Helen Wildash M: 0448 043 148 E: communications@ncver.edu.au


About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy-makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.

This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.