NSW TAFE say that new national data covering apprenticeships and traineeships from 1963 to 2025 ‘provides a long-term view of how Australia’s training system has grown and changed over time’.
In a media release they say, ‘According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), total apprenticeship and trainee commencements in Australia increased from 22,600 in the early 1960s to 133,300 in 2025, more than quadrupling over six decades’.
‘Today, more than 300,000 Australians are in training as apprentices or trainees, with the in-training workforce in NSW increasing from 33,435 in 1969 to 90,032 in 2025 – almost a three-fold increase.
‘The data shows commencements of people aged 25–44 increased by 54 per cent between 1995 and 2025, compared with a 17 per cent increase of those aged 19 or younger pointing to a gradual change in the age profile of people entering apprenticeships.
‘Electrical trade commencements increased more than six-fold over six decades, rising from 2,694 in the early 1960s to 16,643 in 2025.
Electrical trades
‘Ballina locals Daniel French and Nelson Crethar are among the growing number of apprentices in the Northern Rivers building their careers through TAFE NSW, both completing a Certificate III in Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW Wollongbar and gaining hands-on experience while earning on the job.
Daniel followed in his father’s footsteps into the electrical trade, completing his apprenticeship while working in the family business and gaining hands-on experience across residential, commercial, renovation and new build projects.
‘I loved the ability to work and study at the same time. You’re working towards a goal and applying what you’re learning straight away, which makes things feel a lot less abstract than just sitting in a classroom,’ Mr French said.
‘Doing an apprenticeship made a lot of sense for me because you’re gaining real skills on the job while you’re learning.’
Nelson Crethar is completing his apprenticeship with local employer AAE Industries.
NSW TAFE say he was introduced to the electrical trade through school-based work experience and said the mix of practical work and theory helped confirm it was the right career path.
‘Electrical is definitely challenging at times, especially the theory, but it’s a good challenge and something I’ve really enjoyed,’ Mr Crethar said.
‘You’re earning while you’re learning, and there are so many different pathways within the industry. I love my job and I’d absolutely recommend an apprenticeship to others.’
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