More apprentices start training

The number of people starting trade and non-trade apprenticeships and traineeships have increased for the first time in more than a year, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

Estimates show non-trade commencements increased from 27,400 in the June 2014 quarter to 28,800 in the September 2014 quarter. This is the first increase following four consecutive quarters of decline. Trade commencements also increased from 20,900 in the June 2014 quarter to 21,500 in the September 2014 quarter, following three consecutive quarters of decline.

NCVER’s Apprentices and trainees 2014 - early trend estimates, September quarter, provides seasonally adjusted and smoothed data at the national level for trade and non-trade apprentice and trainee commencements.

“It is reassuring to see some growth in apprentice and trainee numbers following a downward trend over the past year or so,” said Sue Fergusson, general manager statistics, NCVER. Apprentices and trainees 2014 - June quarter will be released by NCVER in early December 2014. The June 2014 quarterly data provides detailed information and includes national and state/territory level in-training, completion and cancellation and withdrawal data.