Trade apprentice completions reach highest level in a decade

New national apprenticeship data has found that the Albanese Labor Government’s focus on priority trades, particularly in housing construction, is paying off, with strong results in trade apprenticeship completions and commencements.

Apprentices and trainees – 2026 March quarter by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), released today, tracks apprentice and trainee numbers in the 12 months to 31 March 2026.

It found that the number of trade apprentices completing their apprenticeship rose 10 per cent – the best result in a decade – while trade commencements are up two per cent year-on-year for the March quarter in what is the third consecutive quarterly rise.

In the March quarter, apprentice commencements in critical occupations saw significant year-on-year jumps:

• 19 per cent increase in electrical; 
• 10 per cent in carpentry and joinery; and 
• five per cent in plumbing.

The report also found:

• a 15 per cent year-on-year jump in apprenticeship trade commencements by school students;
• commencements by women in construction trades were up nine per cent, and up seven per cent in electrotechnology and telecommunications trades year-on-year; and
• priority occupations now account for 84 per cent of apprentices in training, up from 81 per cent in the same period last year

The results demonstrate that the Albanese Government’s strategy to focus on delivering targeted incentives for apprentices and employers in priority industries is making an impact.

Since coming to office the Government has worked to better target government investment in apprenticeships into pathways where the apprenticeship is the primary pathway into that occupation – to ensure investment in priority areas is balanced with spending that is focused and effective.

The Government has locked in apprenticeship incentive settings until 30 June 2029, with the Key Apprenticeship Program offering new apprentices in housing construction or new energy industries $10,000 over the course of their apprenticeship to encourage completions, with incentives also available for small and medium-sized employers.

More work is needed to boost training and skills in Australia, which is why the Government continues to support occupations through programs such as Free TAFE, which makes TAFE courses in priority sectors like construction free, and the near doubling of the Living Away From Home Allowance and Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support.

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

“We’re focused on reforming Australia’s apprenticeship system to focus government investment where it will have the greatest impact, and in the areas that Australia faces our most pressing challenges – particularly housing construction.

“In 2022 we came to office facing the legacy of the Coalition’s decade of neglect – skills shortages at the highest levels in 50 years. This wasn’t helped by their slapdash approach to apprenticeships, which saw them introduce a untargeted and uncapped wage subsidy that was merely a sugar hit.

“The Albanese Government is backing more Australians to pick up the tools, become a tradie and get to work to help build more homes – with skills that will last a lifetime.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth:

“We want Australians to have access to secure, well-paid jobs, and apprenticeships are one of the best pathways to get there.

“These results show more people are completing their training and gaining the skills they need for long-term careers in industries that Australia needs now and into the future.

“For apprentices, completing their qualification means greater opportunities, higher earning potential and the security that comes with having skills that are in demand.

“By backing apprentices, we’re helping Australians build rewarding careers, support themselves and their families, and strengthening the workforce our country depends on.”