Apprentice numbers show further rise

The latest data shows apprentice and trainee commencements continue to grow as the economy recovers from Covid-19 lockdowns and supply disruptions.

Data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that commencements grew nationally by 84.1 to 48,750 in the September quarter 2021 compared with the same quarter
in 2020.

Over the last four quarters, there has been annual growth in commencements following four quarters of decline.

Commencements in non-trade occupations drove most of the increase in the quarter, rising by 91.6 per cent to 13,435. Those in trade occupations increased to 8,800.

There were 352,020 apprentices and trainees in-training as at 30 September 2021, an increase of 33.2 per cent on the previous corresponding period.

In the September quarter 2021, compared with the September quarter 2020:

• commencements increased by 84.1 per cent to 48,750
• completions increased by 9.9 per cent to 14,400
• and cancellations and withdrawals increased by 51.9 per cent to 25,205

Meanwhile 1n the 12 months ending 30 September 2021, compared with the 12 months ending 30 September 2020 commencements increased by 88.1 per cent to 238,360

Full report here.

Picture: NCVER

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