Recently released annual apprenticeship and trainee figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) highlight further declines in the take up and completion of apprenticeships, said the CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), Mr Suresh Manickam.

“NCVER’s release of its annual statistics, the Completion and attrition rates for apprentices and trainees 2014 shows further declines in the take  up and completion rates of apprenticeships. Over the past two years, we have seen 138,000 fewer apprenticeships taken up and 36,000 fewer completed on a year by year basis. These statistics also show us that 130,000 fewer people were in training at the end of 2014, compared with 2012.”

“Whilst Electrotechnology commencements remain one of the bright spots for apprenticeship takeup, NECA remains concerned about a decline in commencements over the past year (down 3,000), coupled with the varying levels of school leaver quality across the country,” Mr Manickam said.

“Given the imminent retirement of baby boomers within our workforce, if this trending decline in commencement rates continues, our sector will face future skills shortages. It’s vital that these potential skills shortages are addressed in order to service the growth in new building construction across our nation’s major cities.”

“These annual figures showcase the need for State and Federal Governments across the country to strengthen investment in skills and training. Further investment, in school age levels and mature age levels will assist to provide better long term outcome for our communities and economy.”