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The Australian Industry Group (AIG) has released an alarming report on the decline in trade apprenticeships.
The latest data on Australia’s apprenticeship system, released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), show that in the 12 months to September 2025, trade apprenticeship commencements are down almost 10%, while non-trade commencements (traineeships) are down just over 18%.
These declines are described as “the canary in the coalmine” for future skills shortages.
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About the author
Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness.
Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.