Research shows apprenticeships deliver strong job outcomes

For Australians building a career through an apprenticeship or traineeship, the payoff is clear: new research shows almost all completers move into work.

This includes 95 per cent of trade apprentices and 89 per cent of non-trade apprentices, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER) Apprentice and trainee outcomes 2025 report. 

These results show that Australia’s apprenticeship system continues to deliver some of the strongest job outcomes in the country, highlighting the important role apprenticeships play in building a strong and skilled workforce.

The Albanese Labor Government is focused on continuing to back in these strong outcomes, including through the Key Apprenticeship Program which is supporting thousands of new apprentices in the housing construction and clean energy sectors through $10,000 incentive payments, and their employers through up to $5,000 in their apprentice’s first year. Other occupations on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List are benefitting from $5,000 for apprenticeships.

Additional measures introduced by the Government to support Australian apprenticeships include doubling support for employers hiring apprentices with a disability, and near-doubling the Living Away from Home Allowance for apprentices – the first time in 20 years that either of these payments have been increased.

The research by the NCVER found that:                                       

• employment outcomes remained strong even for apprentices who completed part of an apprenticeship, with more than three quarters (77 per cent) employed after leaving their apprenticeship
• more than 90 per cent of those who completed their training were satisfied with the skills they learnt on the job with high satisfaction also reported for off the job training
• across priority trades such as construction, electrotechnology and telecommunications, around 92 per cent of graduates improved their employment status, with most securing work
• in essential non‑trade fields including caring and support roles, 92 per cent of graduates were employed after completion, with high satisfaction in both on and off the job training. 

The report also shows apprenticeships provide flexible pathways into employment, with many graduates using their skills to move across different occupations and industries.

The strongest outcomes continue to be seen in sectors vital for Australia’s future, including construction, clean energy, telecommunications and the care and support services. These industries are central to national priorities such as building more homes, moving to cleaner energy and supporting our growing care sector.

The findings reinforce that apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to tackle skill shortages and ensure Australia has the workers it needs in the years ahead.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“These results reinforce the message that an apprenticeship is a great way for Australians to get skills in critically important industries that lead to secure, long-term careers.

“It demonstrates to Australians that learning a trade provides overwhelmingly positive job prospects and high satisfaction. It sets you up for life.

“The right support at the right time can make a real difference for apprentices and their employers, which is why the Albanese Labor Government is focusing targeted support in industries where we need it most.”

ENDS