The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has released the September quarter 2010 statistics for apprentices and trainees.
Comparing apprentice and trainee activity in the year to 30 September 2010 with the year to 30 September 2009:
• the number of people commencing in trades occupations increased by 22.6%
• the number of people commencing in non-trades occupations increased by 10.9%.
Hunter Valley Training Company CEO said that HVTC had experienced a similar increase in apprenticeships across its area of operations in arange of areas.
For example, the Hunter has seen an increase in areas such as: metals industry apprenticeships, mainly fitting and machining as well as machining; heavy plant mechanics; boilermaking ; and electronic signalmen. In Western Sydney there has been growth in building industry finishing trades such as painting, decorative brickwork, renovation skills, carpentry and joinery.
Mr Fuller said that the rise is due to a number of factors including the strengthening economy bolstered by the resources boom as well as companies readying themselves for skills shortages.
He said it was important to look at completion rates, not just commencement of apprentices.
"While HVTC has completion rates of 85%, the industry average is around 50%," Mr Fuller said.
"Completion rates is critical issue that must be adddressed as part of the Government's current reform of the Apprenticeship system and its response to the recently released independent report [A Shared responsibility – Apprenticeships for the 21St Century] into the system," he said.