The latest quarterly data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research indicated that commencement numbers have declined for the latest reported quarter ending 31 December 2022 compared to December 2021.
Source: NCVER 2023, Apprentices and trainees 2022 - December quarter
The decline in commencements corresponds with the closure of the Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements program at the end of June 2022. Commencement numbers fell for both trade occupations (23.2% compared to December 2021) and non-trade occupations (40.6%).
While the decline is not surprising, it does highlight the role that financial incentives play in influencing an employer’s decision to take on an apprentice, and the care the Commonwealth Government should take when adjusting the numbers.
Completion data tell a different story. Numbers seem to be rising to the level they were at prior to the onset of the pandemic.
Source: NCVER 2023, Apprentices and trainees 2022 - December quarter
This improvement in completion numbers suggests that the rush of cancellations and withdrawals that occurred during the pandemic has run its course and completion rates are returning to usual levels.
The completion rate for all apprenticeships remains low and this has been acknowledged by the Commonwealth Government. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has recently released a new tender to deliver Australian Apprenticeship Support Services from 1 July 2024. The tender documents emphasise an intention to strengthen the apprenticeship system to improve completion rates and increase the diversity of the apprentice workforce. Some of the principles behind the new tender are to provide:
These principles may help to improve completion rates.
Peter contributes to education and training policy and manages Centre projects including state industry skills advisory projects and apprenticeship and traineeship projects that often explore new models. Peter has many years' experience in the vocational training sector, and has managed projects for the Victorian Government relating to education and training.
