What makes an apprentice – apprentice profiles from NCVER

The latest report released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that the profile of a young person who is likely to undertake an apprenticeship over university remains largely unchanged since 2007.

The impact of increasing university participation on the characteristics of apprentices report found that students who are more likely to undertake an apprenticeship over university have certain characteristics.

These include being male, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Australian-born, or an English speaker at home.

Migrants and first-generation Australians were found to be less inclined to pursue apprenticeships when compared with their Australian-born counterparts, and more likely to opt for university education.

Positively, the report found that more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are participating in apprenticeships.

Between 2004 and 2021, the proportion of youth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trade commencements increased from 2.3 percent to 5.6 percent, while non-trade commencements increased from 5.2 percent to 9.5 percent.

NCVER Managing Director Simon Walker said: “In recent years, we have seen increasing demand for apprentices and trainees in the workforce.

“Young people’s participation in apprenticeships could be increased by enhancing their awareness of career options and aligning their study pathways with personal career aspirations.”

Walker said he extent to which employers sought apprentices contributed to the growth of apprenticeship numbers.

“Therefore, efforts to sustain and foster employer interest in offering apprenticeships should work in tandem with initiatives focused on career education.”

The study used data from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) and focused on the 2007–2019 period.

Picture: NCVER