New quarterly apprenticeship data released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows the number of apprenticeship and traineeship contracts in-training in Australia has continued to decline in the 12 months to June 2025.
Nationally, the total number of apprenticeship contracts in-training nationally declined by 11.3% compared to 30 June 2024. This includes a fall of 7.3% in trade contracts and a 20.2% fall in non-trade contracts.
Commencements decline in trades and non-trades
Trade commencements are down 15.3% in the 12 months to June 2025. Softening labour market conditions over the period, including an increase in the national unemployment rate to 4.3%, likely contributed to the declines.
Falls in commencements were recorded across all states and territories, except the Northern Territory.
There was a decline across all trade occupation groups, with the largest falls for Automative and Engineering Trades Workers (down 15.0%) and Construction Trades Workers (down 15.7%).
In positive news, school-based trade commencements increased 10.7%, continuing the upward trend of the last two years.
Non-trade commencements are well below recent peaks, declining 24% in the 12 months to June 2025. Falls were recorded across all jurisdictions and all major occupational groups.
‘We’re seeing the apprenticeship system adjust as incentive settings and labour market conditions change’, said NCVER Managing Director John King.
‘The withdrawal of COVID-era incentives has contributed to a sharp fall in non-trade activity, with those now in training around 10 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Trade numbers have eased more gradually as incentives have shifted, and labour-market conditions softened. Trades in-training remain above pre-pandemic levels, but the reduction in commencements is starting to reduce that skills pipeline’, said Mr King.
Completions strong in trades, declining in non-trades
While contract completions for trades have increased 10.9% in the 12 months ending June 2025, non-trade contract completions have declined 13.6% over the same period.
Trade completions remain higher than in the same period in 2019 (up 39.3%) whilst non-trade completions are lower, down 10.6%.
Completions for Construction Trades Workers in the 12 months ending June 2025 reached 15,500, 21.1% higher than in the same period last year. Large increases were observed among carpenters and joiners (up 34.6%), electricians (up 31.7%), and motor mechanics (up 24.2%).
Background:
Apprentices and trainees 2025: June quarter provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity, including both quarterly and annual contract of training figures that can be broken down by state and territory.
‘In-training’ refers to apprenticeship and traineeship contracts that are still active, meaning they have not been completed, cancelled, withdrawn, or expired without meeting all prescribed program requirements.
Download the report: Apprentices and trainees 2025: June quarter
Enquiries: Elise Stone P: +61 8 8230 8443 E: communications@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.