The latest report released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that overall completion rates for apprentices and trainees decreased in 2023.
The Completion and attrition rates for apprentices and trainees 2023 report shows the completion rate for all individuals who commenced an apprenticeship or traineeship in 2019 was 54.8%, down 1.0 percentage points compared with those who commenced in 2018.
Individual non-trade completion rates decreased by 2.5 percentage points to 55.7%. The highest individual completion rate for non-trade occupations was seen in Managers (64.9%), Sales Workers (57.2%) and Clerical and Administrative Workers (56.7%).
However, individual trade completion rates increased by 0.7 percentage points to 54.1%. The highest individual completion rate for trade occupations was seen in Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trade Workers (61.8%), Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers (57.6%) and Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians (55.3%).
Research shows apprentices and trainees do not complete their training for a range of employment and personal reasons. Changed business conditions can affect an employer’s ability to support training, while personal circumstances and choices made by apprentices and trainees also play a role. NCVER research shows that the most common employment reasons apprentices and trainees left training in 2022 included dissatisfaction with pay or working conditions, and being offered a better job. The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant disruption for apprentices and employers, which may have impacted completion rates.
Figure 1 Completion rates (after 4 years) for individuals commencing in 2015 to 2019, by trade status (%)
Background:
Completion and attrition rates for apprentices and trainees 2023 tracks the apprentice and trainee outcomes from when they started their training through to December 2023. Completion and attrition rates are calculated by tracking the outcomes of individuals and contracts of training over time. An individual may complete their training under more than one contract if they change employers or take a break from their training. For those in trade occupations, most complete within four years, while for those in non-trade occupations most complete within three years. NCVER continues to update completion rates over time.
Information about reasons for non-completion can be found in Apprentice and trainee outcomes 2023, which reports on the outcomes of those who undertook an apprenticeship or traineeship during 2022.
Download the report: Completion and attrition rates for apprentices and trainees 2023
Access the time series: Completions and attritions rates for apprentices and trainees: time series
Enquiries: Chantal Deutrom P: +61 8 8230 8418 E: chantaldeutrom@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.