Trade apprenticeships on the up

There has been a 14.3 percent increase in apprentice and trainee commencements in the June 2024 quarter, when compared with the June 2023 quarter, according to new data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

The apprentices and trainees 2024: June quarter report shows commencements increased across most occupations, with trade commencements up by 18.1 percent to 20 485.

Growth was particularly strong in Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians (127.6 percent), Food Trades Workers (68.4 percent) and Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers (12.4 percent).

Non-trade commencements increased by 10.9% over the period to 22 135. Most of the growth was amongst Labourers (40.3 percent), Clerical and Administrative Workers (26.1percent) and Machinery Operators and Drivers (12.9 percent).

Apprenticeship completions in the June quarter 2024 were mixed.

Trade completions increased by 15.4 percent, primarily driven by a 32.0 percent increase in Construction Trades Workers. In contrast, non-trade completions fell by 5.1 percent, largely attributed to a 29.7 percent drop in Clerical and Administrative Workers.

NCVER Managing Director John King said: “Our data shows that apprenticeship commencements are up this quarter for most occupations.

“The total number of apprentices training in trade occupations remains near recent highs of the June quarter 2022, while non-trade training has continued to decline since then.”

Image: NCVER