Latest data has shown the percentage increase of South Australians commencing apprenticeships is the highest in the country, while our state recorded the greatest percentage decrease of cancellations or withdrawals in the nation for the 2023-24 financial year - down 26.6 per cent.
Apprentice and trainee figures released by the National Centre for Vocational Research (NCVER), provided data for the June quarter and the 2023-24 financial year, and showed increases in commencements, in-training, and completions for state priority areas.
A significant increase of commencements was recorded in the June quarter, 28.9 per cent higher than for the same period in 2023, with 2,690 South Australians starting training in the three-month period.
The state also led the nation, achieving the greatest percentage decrease of cancellations or withdrawals in the country with a 26.6 per cent drop in the in the 12 months to 30 June 2024.
Commencements in priority areas rose by 5.9 per cent to 5,810 over the last financial year, with the top commencements in:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician – 840, up 3.8 per cent.
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care – 450, up 35.6 per cent
- Certificate III in Plumbing – 360, up 16.3 per cent
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade – 335, up 5.6 per cent
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – 225, up 40.9 per cent
Overall commencements of apprenticeships and traineeships rose over the 12 months to 30 June – with 9,660 started (up 1.8 per cent) – and over the June quarter – with 2,690 starters (up 605, 28.9 per cent).
Of the 24,990 apprentices and trainees in-training, 66 per cent – 16,440 – are studying in priority areas in the same period, a 3.3 per cent increase from 2023.
The largest number of in-training in priority areas were:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician – 3,150, up 8.5 per cent
- Certificate III in Carpentry – 2,140, up 6.3 per cent
- Certificate III in Plumbing – 1,275, up 8.2 per cent
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade – 1,165, up 4.6 per cent.
There were 6,870 total completions in 12 months ending 30 June 2024; a rise of 230 or 3.5 per cent, which is the equal second highest percentage rise in the nation.
