Apprentice completions reach decade highs but new apprentice numbers still too low

New data from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research today shows apprenticeship completion rates have hit a decade high, while the number of new apprentices continues to decline.

During the December 2024 quarter, the number of new construction apprentice commencements totalled 6,969, a reduction of 12.5 per cent on a year earlier.

Concerningly, there are now more people withdrawing from construction apprenticeships than new starters. In the last quarter of 2024, 7,138 apprentices quit their apprenticeships.

In some positive news, there was a 15.2 per cent increase in completions over the same period. A total of 7,944 construction apprentices successfully completed their training during the last three months of 2024. This is the highest quarterly total since mid-2014.

Altogether, 112,207 construction apprentices were still in training at the end of 2024. This represents a reduction of 3.9 per cent on a year earlier.

While stronger completion rates are a step in the right direction, falling commencements and high dropout rates continue to undermine efforts to boost the industry’s productivity and meet national construction goals.

With the building and construction sector responsible for delivering the homes, infrastructure, and commercial projects critical to Australia’s economic growth, a strong and stable pipeline of skilled workers is essential.

Master Builders’ blueprint for increasing the attraction and retention of apprentices in the industry outlines several recommendations on how to address these challenges.

Quotes attributable to Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn:

“Boosting productivity in construction starts with investing in people. Without a strong pipeline of skilled apprentices, we simply can’t build faster, smarter, or more efficiently.

“Labour shortages are the biggest handbrake on productivity and the delivery of housing and infrastructure. Fewer apprentice starts and high dropout rates only deepen the problem.

“Master Builders continues to call for a robust incentive system that supports employers and minimises the risk with taking on an apprentice who may or may not complete their training.”

Media contact: Dee Zegarac, National Director, External Affairs & Engagement

0400 493 071 | dee.zegarac@masterbuilders.com.au