The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has published new data that reveals that attrition rates are declining for trainees, while remaining stable for apprentices.

 

The Completion and attrition rates for apprentices and trainees 2011 report shows that attrition rates for trainees had fallen from 38.3 per cent to a projected 33.0 per cent between 2008 and 2011. 

 

By contrast, attrition rates for apprentices had remained largely stable, increasing only slightly from 50.3 per cent to 50.8 per cent over the same period.

 

“We know completion rates vary by industry and there are many reasons why apprentices and trainees do not finish their apprenticeships,” said Ms Sandra Pattison, General Manager, Statistics, NCVER.

 

“Apprentice completion rates can be influenced by the employer’s economic circumstances and the apprentice’s individual personal circumstances and choices.”

 

Looking at individual completion rates, which take into account apprentices and trainees moving between employers, there is no difference between trainees and trade apprentices, with completion rates around 55% for both groups for 2007 commencements.

 

Copies of Completion and attrition rates for apprentices and trainees 2011 are available from 
www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2506.html.