Data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research today indicates apprenticeship and traineeship enrolments are on the increase.
VERTO Chief Executive Officer, Ron Maxwell, said the findings, which were reported in the Apprentices and trainees 2014 - early trend estimates, December quarter report, were encouraging.
"These early findings suggest that a period of decline in apprenticeship and traineeship enrolments from 2012 to 2013 is behind us,” Mr Maxwell said.
“Across Australia, there was a 25.9 per cent decrease in apprenticeship and traineeship enrolments from 2012 to 2013.
“This decline had an impact not only on employers but also on the broader labour market with fewer candidates upskilled through accredited training,” Mr Maxwell said.
Mr Maxwell said the estimates show a rise in non-trade commencements from 26 400 in the September 2014 quarter to 31 700 in the December 2014 quarter, with trade commencements also increasing from 19 900 in the September 2014 quarter to 21 500 in the December 2014 quarter.
“While this is traditionally a busy time of year for our Australian Apprenticeships Centre, it is still positive nonetheless to see growth in vocational training across Australia,” Mr Maxwell said.
“The challenge for all Australian Apprenticeships Centres is to ensure Australian Apprentices, once enrolled, are well supported throughout their training right through to completion.
“We hope this positive trend continues, and we look forward to seeing future reports over the coming months,” Mr Maxwell said.
