{"id":12669,"date":"2025-04-23T05:20:59","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T19:20:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hiringlab.org\/au\/?p=12669"},"modified":"2025-05-01T04:30:04","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T18:30:04","slug":"australias-apprenticeship-boom-is-over","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hiringlab.org\/au\/blog\/2025\/04\/23\/australias-apprenticeship-boom-is-over\/","title":{"rendered":"Tools Down: Australia\u2019s Apprenticeship Boom Is Over"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Key Points:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Entry-level roles for apprentices and trainees rose sharply throughout 2022 and 2023 but have since declined to pre-pandemic levels.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Around three-quarters of apprentices are male \u2014 a single gender typically dominates the top apprenticeship roles.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jobseeker searches for apprenticeships and traineeships remain low, declining sharply throughout 2022 as roles became easier to find during the post-pandemic job boom.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As recently as 2022, Australia was experiencing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.afr.com\/policy\/economy\/australia-has-second-worst-skills-crisis-in-developed-world-20220608-p5arzu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">second-worst labour shortages<\/a> among developed countries, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. While those shortages have since eased \u2014 helped by strong population growth and fewer job opportunities \u2014 many skill deficits persist.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the most significant pain points have been among \u2018tradies,\u2019 with apprenticeship job postings around 80% higher in 2022 and 2023 than they were in 2019. Anyone trying to build or renovate a home has run into difficulties finding electricians, plumbers and builders. These shortages have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2024\/dec\/23\/australian-construction-industry-to-suffer-persistent-skills-shortages-and-cost-escalations-report-finds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">delayed infrastructure projects<\/a>, threatening Australia\u2019s ability to build essential infrastructure.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it\u2019s not just \u2018tradies\u2019 that are hard to find. Hairdressers are understaffed, restaurants struggle to find qualified chefs and childcare providers cannot find enough workers \u2014 all of which affect daily life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jobsandskills.gov.au\/sites\/default\/files\/2024-10\/2024_osl_key_findings_and_insights_report_0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jobs and Skills Australia<\/a>, roughly half of occupations in the technicians &amp; trades workers category (home to many apprenticeship-aligned roles) are in short supply \u2014 the highest of any occupational group.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, Australia\u2019s vocational education system is also much smaller than it used to be. The number of people in training, as a share of total Australian employment, has fallen by around 47% since the 2012 financial year, while course completions have more than halved over the past decade. And in the past four years, student withdrawals or cancellations exceeded completions \u2014 a previously uncommon occurrence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeTgCBN5TqloURGgnmO_hytfilCD5Rs5JxhSY97u7UL2Z5qu1oEMHyLPIgamVC0UHQnqwWMdSQXD1yhxxPYHf3sDH0MxHz1HSNAaPNnb5zZjeiA8ln-i0p6MI53kZNE-cIY23O-?key=H3pteowEhKN62HFvUaXlr5gm\" alt=\"Line graph titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship measures.\u201d With a vertical axis ranging from 0 to 5%, the number of apprenticeship completions and in-training, as a share of employment, has declined sharply over the past decade.\u00a0\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Line graph titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship measures.\u201d With a vertical axis ranging from 0 to 5%, the number of apprenticeship completions and in-training, as a share of employment, has declined sharply over the past decade.\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Indeed data shows that demand for apprenticeships and traineeships has softened recently, after spiking throughout 2022 and 2023, and is now below pre-pandemic trends nationally. Jobseeker searches for these entry-level roles have also declined, consistent with tight labour market conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Demand for apprentices fell in 2024<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As Australia emerged from the pandemic, apprentices were in high demand. Job postings rose as households and businesses caught up on delayed economic activity following the 2020-21 lockdowns. At their 2022 peak, apprenticeship job postings were 82% above 2019 levels. Filling those roles was difficult, with persistent skill shortages leaving key sectors understaffed and operating below capacity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, after a sharp rise in 2022 and 2023, job postings mentioning apprenticeships or traineeships in their job title fell 27% in 2024, and data through the early part of 2025 suggests that apprenticeship and trainee demand has weakened further. By the end of March, apprenticeship job postings were tracking 23% below the 2024 average, and slightly below pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXepTPE_3y7XjaLY2saV9twb4npbsCVdr7GmqSbb8nqU_U1xV0iuEECfLt1qTnwK6H3JLaql-ci5JOBsbuFbcebMPIvaVFZlPwGbksqadXClndarT5PKu9YdaC1cV801lAU0SGfXfA?key=H3pteowEhKN62HFvUaXlr5gm\" alt=\"Bar graph titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship job postings.\u201d With a vertical axis ranging from 0 to 2, indexed so that 2019 = 1, we find that apprenticeship postings peaked in 2022 and 2023, but have since declined sharply, and in 2025 are tracking slightly below 2019 levels.\u00a0\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Bar graph titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship job postings.\u201d With a vertical axis ranging from 0 to 2, indexed so that 2019 = 1, we find that apprenticeship postings peaked in 2022 and 2023, but have since declined sharply, and in 2025 are tracking slightly below 2019 levels.\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The construction industry highlights how unusual recent years have been. The job vacancy rate peaked at 3.0% in the June quarter of 2022 \u2014 more than double the 1.3% average from 2010 to 2019 \u2014 suggesting that there were around 21,000 more unfilled jobs than was typical. Even today, at 1.9%, the vacancy remains high by historical standards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Apprentice demand is elevated, but easing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2022, apprenticeship job postings were 169% higher in Queensland, 84% higher in South Australia and around 70% higher in the other mainland states, compared to 2019 levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since then, employer demand has eased in each mainland state, albeit to varying degrees. In 2025, early signs indicate that apprenticeship postings are now below pre-pandemic levels in every mainland state except Queensland. While Queensland postings have declined 26% from their peak, they are still double their pre-pandemic baseline. That\u2019s in stark contrast to New South Wales and Victoria, where postings have halved from their peak and are now well below 2019 levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXea40irsua3aMEHTMbPxxeGI3lcyxpdaDHIJLnvEG02inJKil83wC7yvfM_LyIBJEUCDNy-PUANK9fHY1vZqKhUzOEoghcJSrID2I8ZhxB_YfDegcOGqkuKlxUeCE46G0prW9GqDw?key=H3pteowEhKN62HFvUaXlr5gm\" alt=\"Line graph titled \u201cState apprenticeship job postings.\u201d With a vertical axis ranging from 0 to 3, indexed so that 2019 = 1, apprenticeship job postings have been much stronger in Queensland than in other mainland states. In early 2025, apprenticeship postings are now below pre-pandemic levels in most states.\u00a0\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Line graph titled \u201cState apprenticeship job postings.\u201d With a vertical axis ranging from 0 to 3, indexed so that 2019 = 1, apprenticeship job postings have been much stronger in Queensland than in other mainland states. In early 2025, apprenticeship postings are now below pre-pandemic levels in most states.\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Queensland has implemented a range of jobseeker and employer-focused initiatives to bolster apprenticeship uptake, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qld.gov.au\/education\/training\/subsidies\/feefree\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fee-free TAFE<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qld.gov.au\/education\/training\/subsidies\/freeapprenticeships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free apprenticeships for under-25s<\/a>. And the state\u2019s &#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.business.qld.gov.au\/running-business\/employing\/hiring-recruitment\/back-to-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Back to Work<\/a>\u2019 program offers incentive payments of up to $15,000 for employers hiring eligible unemployed jobseekers \u2014 with even higher payments for youth hires. Similar policies can be found nationwide, with both state and federal governments offering a suite of incentives to address persistent skill shortages.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Apprenticeship opportunities are often gender-dominated<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both men and women pursue apprenticeships and traineeships \u2014 but rarely for the same roles. Many occupations regularly hiring new apprentices are dominated by a single gender, with persistent gender stereotypes and a lack of diversity often limiting talent pipelines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apprenticeship postings are most common for electricians and educators, accounting for 9.1% and 6.9% of apprenticeship postings, respectively. Electricians are a male-dominated sector, with men accounting for 96% of workers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2018Tradies\u2019 remain overwhelmingly male. Between 97% and 98% of working plumbers (6.2% of apprenticeship postings), mechanics (4.0%) and carpenters (3.3%) are men. Education roles, by comparison, skew towards women, with 97% of early childhood teachers and 94% of childcare workers being women.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdc40jViknx9KZ4t7pul1gZMHwuTve1ejrcVCtSKd738MxdHiSXcZUw51ekGcQHLn4BDe3l_-TZoVJChCqQx7MkDZKLG-uMqpNtpYV9oh1uNOBDn5lvBIiBZgE399HhJQ5pdVgg?key=H3pteowEhKN62HFvUaXlr5gm\" alt=\"Table titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship jobs and gender split.\u201d Electricians and educators account for the largest share of apprenticeship job postings, followed by plumbers. Every major apprenticeship category is also gender-dominated.\u00a0\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Table titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship jobs and gender split.\u201d Electricians and educators account for the largest share of apprenticeship job postings, followed by plumbers. Every major apprenticeship category is also gender-dominated.\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Efforts to boost the number of female \u2018tradies\u2019 have gained momentum. Still, it could take generations to see meaningful change to the number of women working as mechanics, electricians, plumbers or carpenters \u2014 or, for that matter, men in key early education roles. Creating greater diversity by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dewr.gov.au\/download\/16802\/strategic-review-australian-apprenticeship-incentive-system-fact-sheet-women-apprentices-male\/39437\/strategic-review-australian-apprenticeship-incentive-system-fact-sheet-women-apprentices-male\/pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fostering more inclusive workplaces, ensuring safe working environments and overcoming corrosive gender stereotypes<\/a> remains a key challenge across many of these sectors.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, men accounted for three-quarters of apprentices and trainees in 2024 \u2014 the lowest share in the past decade. That figure was as high as 87% in 2020 and 84% in 2018.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Despite incentives, jobseeker interest has softened<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the abundance of incentives, jobseeker searches for apprenticeship and traineeship jobs have fallen since 2022. In March 2025, 1.1% of Australian jobseeker searches were for apprenticeships or traineeships, broadly consistent with average search activity in both 2023 and 2024.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, search activity is well below the levels seen immediately before and during the pandemic. In 2019, around 1.7% of jobseeker searches were for apprenticeships or traineeships. That held firm throughout 2020 and 2021, before tumbling throughout 2022 when employer demand reached its peak.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcWDnPbl9EO27uR2IDUCuYDWXNsi_-90pY8PIiawg3MV8J0ouW7tg-zK9TN9oLkhNJ6IP8v59zDlMb0Xv0cVD7IbT9-7ruTJuEqI2nsSjKfx6QFdiF31rpfXFTpltuBJUYKczywuA?key=H3pteowEhKN62HFvUaXlr5gm\" alt=\"Line graph titled \u201cAU jobseeker searches for apprenticeships\/traineeships.\u201d With a vertical axis ranging from 0 to 2.5%, the share of searches mentioning apprenticeships or traineeships is much lower in 2025 than it was before and during the pandemic.\u00a0\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Line graph titled \u201cAU jobseeker searches for apprenticeships\/traineeships.\u201d With a vertical axis ranging from 0 to 2.5%, the share of searches mentioning apprenticeships or traineeships is much lower in 2025 than it was before and during the pandemic.\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At first glance, declining jobseeker activity amid elevated job creation may seem counterintuitive. But several factors are likely at play. First, less friction in the apprenticeship job market may mean apprentices are finding jobs faster, requiring fewer job searches. Second, in a tight labour market, fewer people may be pursuing entry-level roles, limiting the supply of active candidates.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Employer demand for apprentices and trainees declined considerably last year, and early signs point towards a similar fall in 2025. Queensland remains a standout, thanks to robust government support. But in other states, demand has slipped below pre-pandemic levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In recent years, the market for skilled entry-level talent greatly favoured the jobseeker. They had more choice and control over where and how they worked. But recent Indeed data suggests that dynamic has shifted, potentially giving employers the upper hand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, while apprenticeship and trainee opportunities have declined, we haven\u2019t yet seen a corresponding rebound in jobseeker activity. This suggests that these roles are still relatively easy for jobseekers to obtain \u2014 at least for now.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Methodology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>An Australian apprenticeship typically involves a combination of on-the-job and structured learning. The Australian government defines an Australian apprenticeship as a combination of apprenticeships in a skilled trade, such as plumbers or electricians, as well as traineeships in non-trade occupations, such as aged care and childcare. In this blog post, we have adopted the same broad definition.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Apprenticeship or traineeship job postings are defined as those that feature phrases such as apprenticeship or traineeship, along with variations, in their job title. Similarly, jobseeker searches for apprenticeship or traineeship opportunities are those that use these phrases when searching for jobs on the Indeed website.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Australia\u2019s red-hot job market for apprentices cooled considerably in 2024, and early signs suggest that trend will continue in 2025. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":12670,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"recruiter-hub-blocks.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[140],"post_mwm_category":[224],"post_topic":[],"post_content_type":[],"post_duration":[],"post_actions":[],"post_franchise":[],"post_mwm_author":[182],"class_list":["post-12669","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-featured","post_mwm_category-state-of-the-labour-market","post_mwm_author-cpickering"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tools Down: Australia\u2019s Apprenticeship Boom Is Over - Indeed Hiring Lab Australia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Australia\u2019s red-hot job market for apprentices cooled considerably in 2024, 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