{"id":12828,"date":"2026-05-20T07:35:03","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T21:35:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hiringlab.org\/au\/?p=12828"},"modified":"2026-05-20T07:35:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T21:35:04","slug":"australia-apprenticeship-system-needs-repairs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hiringlab.org\/au\/blog\/2026\/05\/20\/australia-apprenticeship-system-needs-repairs\/","title":{"rendered":"Under Construction: Australia\u2019s Apprenticeship System Needs Repairs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Key points:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Entry-level roles for apprentices and trainees declined 23% last year and are tracking lower again in early 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Australia\u2019s vocational education system is smaller than it used to be, with course completions down 64% from their 2012-13 peak.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employers are increasingly targeting global talent to address skill shortages, with temporary skilled visas for key apprenticeship occupations five times higher than in 2021-22.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Despite fewer job postings, jobseeker search activity hasn\u2019t increased, suggesting employment remains relatively easy to find.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Widespread skill shortages have been a thorn in the side of many Australians over the past few years. Anyone trying to build or renovate a home has struggled to find electricians, plumbers and builders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it\u2019s not just \u2018tradies\u2019 that are hard to find. Restaurants struggle to find qualified workers, hairdressers are understaffed and childcare providers cannot find enough educators. These constraints disrupt business operations and surely haven\u2019t helped Australia\u2019s ongoing productivity problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jobsandskills.gov.au\/data\/occupation-shortage\/occupation-shortage-list\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jobs and Skills Australia<\/a>, one-fifth of occupations have faced persistent shortages over the past four years. That jumps to 37% of occupations in the technicians &amp; trade workers category, where apprenticeships are often an entry-point \u2013 higher than for any other occupational group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Indeed, we observe quite different trends. While postings for apprentices were around 80% above pre-pandemic levels in both 2022 and 2023, they have been on a downward trajectory since 2024. In 2025, job postings for apprentices and trainees (henceforth referred to as \u2018apprentices\u2019 or \u2018apprentiseships\u2019) fell 23%, returning to 2019 levels, and so far are tracking lower again in early 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first glance, reduced job postings and persistent skill shortages appear at odds. However, unable to attract domestic apprentices, some employers have instead focused on attracting experienced overseas talent. Australia\u2019s apprenticeship system faces a talent pipeline problem: even with a range of incentives, including free TAFE in some states, it isn\u2019t producing enough skilled workers to meet demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Employer demand for apprentices has declined<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As Australia emerged from the pandemic, employer demand for apprentices soared. Job postings rose sharply as households and businesses caught up on nearly two years of delayed economic activity. At its peak in 2022, job postings mentioning apprenticeships in their job title were 82% above their 2019 baseline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conditions have since soured. Postings fell 27% in 2024 compared to a year earlier, and a further 23% last year. In early 2026, employer demand is tracking 21% lower again and is now well below pre-pandemic levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072518\/1.-National-postings-1024x559.png\" alt=\"Bar graph titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship job postings\u201d which shows that apprenticeship postings in 2026 were below their 2019 baseline, having fallen considerably in recent years.\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-12836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072518\/1.-National-postings-1024x559.png 1024w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072518\/1.-National-postings-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072518\/1.-National-postings-768x419.png 768w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072518\/1.-National-postings-1536x839.png 1536w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072518\/1.-National-postings.png 1650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Bar graph titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship job postings,\u201d which shows that apprenticeship postings in 2026 were below their 2019 baseline, having fallen considerably in recent years.\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The decline in apprenticeship opportunities has outpaced the broader labour market slowdown. Apprenticeship postings accounted for 1.2% of all job postings in 2025, down from 1.4% in 2024 and 1.7% in 2023. A challenging economic environment and tighter hiring budgets have hit skilled entry-level roles especially hard, particularly in the private sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Employer demand easing across the country<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Australia&#8217;s apprenticeship market varies considerably by region, shaped by local industry composition, infrastructure pipelines, population growth, and \u2013 often critically \u2013 state government policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Queensland remains the standout. While apprenticeship postings have declined from their 2022 peak, they were still 80% above their 2019 baseline last year. Demand has eased further in early 2026, but is still healthy overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brisbane\u2019s 2032 Olympic Games will support a long-term construction and infrastructure pipeline, underpinning demand for apprentices over the next half-decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Demand elsewhere hasn\u2019t fared as well. In Victoria, apprenticeship postings were 23% below pre-pandemic levels in 2025, down 54% from their peak, and are tracking even lower this year. New South Wales has performed only marginally better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072612\/2.-State-postings-1024x560.png\" alt=\"Line graph titled \u201cState apprenticeship job postings,\u201d which shows that apprenticeship postings in Queensland continue to outperform other states, particularly Victoria and New South Wales.\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-12837\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072612\/2.-State-postings-1024x560.png 1024w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072612\/2.-State-postings-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072612\/2.-State-postings-768x420.png 768w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072612\/2.-State-postings-1536x840.png 1536w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072612\/2.-State-postings.png 1647w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Line graph titled \u201cState apprenticeship job postings,\u201d which shows that apprenticeship postings in Queensland continue to outperform other states, particularly Victoria and New South Wales.\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Financial incentives encourage employment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers can access a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apprenticeships.gov.au\/support-and-resources\/financial-support-employers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">range of financial incentives to hire apprentices<\/a>; however, support was reduced in some cases at the beginning of this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers in new energy or housing construction can receive the Key Apprenticeship Program Employer Incentive, which provides up to $2,000 after 6 months and $3,000 after 12 months for hiring full-time apprentices (halved for part-time).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other employers can access the Priority Hiring Incentive, which offers $1,000 after 6 months and $1,500 after 12 months for hiring full-time apprentices (halved for part-time). This payment was halved beginning on 1 January 2026. Both incentives apply to jobs on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dewr.gov.au\/skills-support-individuals\/resources\/australian-apprenticeships-priority-list-1-january-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Australian Apprenticeship Priority List<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously, reduced incentives can influence demand, shifting the financial arithmetic that determines whether an employer wants an experienced candidate or one who still requires considerable training. The fall in apprenticeship job postings in early 2026 may partly reflect these changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the state level, incentives vary, but Queensland warrants a mention. Queensland continues to support apprentices on both the demand and supply sides. Fee-free TAFE and free apprenticeships for under-25s boost the talent pipeline, while the state\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.business.qld.gov.au\/running-business\/employing\/hiring-recruitment\/back-to-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u2018Back to Work\u2019 program<\/a> offers employers up to $15,000 incentive to hire young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Australia\u2019s vocational education system isn\u2019t big enough<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of financial incentives, the more pressing problem is the talent pipeline. Australia\u2019s vocational education system is much smaller than it once was. The number of people in training, as a share of total Australian employment, has fallen by around 54% since its 2011-12 peak, while the course completion rate has tumbled almost 64% from its peak a year later. In four of the past five years, course withdrawals have exceeded completions &#8211; reversing historical norms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The post-pandemic jump in apprenticeship training, which saw it climb to 3.2% of employment in 2021-22, is well and truly over. Outside the pandemic, this is the lowest level in over three decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072350\/image-1-1-1024x559.png\" alt=\"Line graph titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship measures,\u201d which shows that the number of Australians in-training has declined in recent years, with course completions also relatively low.\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-12834\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072350\/image-1-1-1024x559.png 1024w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072350\/image-1-1-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072350\/image-1-1-768x419.png 768w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072350\/image-1-1-1536x838.png 1536w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072350\/image-1-1.png 1650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Line graph titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship measures,\u201d which shows that the number of Australians in-training has declined in recent years, with course completions also relatively low.\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also taking longer for people to complete their apprenticeships. By 2020, the average completion time had reached 833 days \u2013 more than two years and around seven months longer than in 2011-12. Of apprentices who started between 2021 and 2024, just 23% have completed their training so far, though that figure will rise \u2013 completion rates typically settle between 50-60%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In response, many employers have turned their attention overseas. In 2024-25, around 9,800 temporary skilled visas were granted to workers in the top 25 apprenticeship occupations. That\u2019s more than four times higher than in 2021-22 and around 2.5 times the number of visa grants in the two years before the pandemic began. Some employers might be ditching entry-level apprentices in favour of experienced workers who can contribute immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, the inflow from overseas is still relatively small compared to the overall system. Around 100,000 apprenticeships were completed in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"558\" src=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-4-1024x558.png\" alt=\"Bar graph titled \u201cAustralian temporary skilled visas granted,\u201d which shows the number of visas granted for the top 25 occupations where apprenticeships are most common. The number of visas granted was five times higher in 2024-25 than three years earlier.\" class=\"wp-image-12833\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-4-1024x558.png 1024w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-4-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-4-768x418.png 768w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-4-1536x837.png 1536w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-4.png 1650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Bar graph titled \u201cAustralian temporary skilled visas granted,\u201d which shows the number of visas granted for the top 25 occupations where apprenticeships are most common. The number of visas granted was five times higher in 2024-25 than three years earlier.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apprenticeships remain gender-segregated<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The talent pipeline also faces a diversity problem. Men and women pursue apprenticeships, but rarely in the same roles. Many occupations seeking apprentices are dominated by a single gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apprenticeship opportunities are most common for electricians, accounting for 7.9% of all apprenticeship postings, followed by educators (6.1%), plumbers (5.9%), mechanics (5.5%) and chefs (4.2%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2018Tradies\u2019 remain overwhelmingly male. In 2025, 98% of electricians and 97% of plumbers, mechanics and carpenters were men. By comparison, education roles skew towards women, accounting for 93% of childcare workers and 95% of early childhood specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"387\" src=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072347\/image-1.png\" alt=\"Table titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship jobs and gender split,\u201d which shows that electrician, educator and plumber are the most common occupations advertising for apprentices, but these jobs are heavily dominated by a single gender.\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-12830\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072347\/image-1.png 940w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072347\/image-1-300x124.png 300w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072347\/image-1-768x316.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Table titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship jobs and gender split,\u201d which shows that electrician, educator and plumber are the most common occupations advertising for apprentices, but these jobs are heavily dominated by a single gender.\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating more inclusive workplaces, <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\">ensuring safe working environments and overcoming corrosive gender stereotypes<\/a> remains a key challenge across many of these sectors. While efforts to increase female \u2018tradies\u2019 have gained momentum, progress has been slow. It could take generations to see meaningful change to the number of women working as mechanics, electricians, plumbers or carpenters \u2013 or, for that matter, men in key early education roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Around 95% of construction apprentices in-training were men last year, higher than for any other industry, followed by 86% in information media &amp; communications and manufacturing, highlighting the challenge. Healthcare &amp; social assistance and education &amp; training skew heavily towards women, as expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072351\/image-5-1024x660.png\" alt=\"Bar graph titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship commencements,\u201d which shows that around 95% of commencements in the construction industry were male in 2025, ahead of information media &amp; telecommunications and manufacturing. Healthcare &amp; social assistance and education &amp; training were female-dominated.\" class=\"wp-image-12835\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072351\/image-5-1024x660.png 1024w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072351\/image-5-300x193.png 300w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072351\/image-5-768x495.png 768w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072351\/image-5-1536x990.png 1536w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072351\/image-5.png 1650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Bar graph titled \u201cAustralian apprenticeship commencements,\u201d which shows that around 95% of commencements in the construction industry were male in 2025, ahead of information media &amp; telecommunications and manufacturing. Healthcare &amp; social assistance and education &amp; training were female-dominated.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fewer jobs, but apprentices aren\u2019t panicking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Consistent with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiringlab.org\/au\/blog\/2026\/04\/22\/nice-try-ai-australian-graduates-are-still-getting-hired\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">trends among university graduates<\/a>, jobseeker searches for apprentice roles remain low. This suggests limited friction in the apprentice market, despite fewer job opportunities. Aspiring apprentices continue to find work relatively quickly, requiring fewer searches than before the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025, around 1.1% of jobseeker searches on Indeed were for apprenticeship jobs, consistent with search trends from the previous two years. So far, those trends have held in early 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If opportunities for apprenticeships were too low \u2013 insufficient to meet the supply of candidates \u2013 search activity would likely increase as jobseekers struggle to find work. They\u2019d search more often, click on more jobs, and apply more frequently. Thankfully, that isn\u2019t yet the case, although conditions could change as employers grapple with heightened economic uncertainty, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"558\" src=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-3-1024x558.png\" alt=\"Line graph titled \u201cAustralian jobseeker searches for apprenticeships,\u201d which shows that search activity remained low in 2025 and into 2026 \u2013 a sign that jobseekers continue to find work relatively easy.\" class=\"wp-image-12832\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-3-1024x558.png 1024w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-3-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-3-768x419.png 768w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-3-1536x837.png 1536w, https:\/\/d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net\/hiringlaborg\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/20072349\/image-3.png 1651w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Line graph titled \u201cAustralian jobseeker searches for apprenticeships,\u201d which shows that search activity remained low in 2025 and into 2026 \u2013 a sign that jobseekers continue to find work relatively easy.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Australia\u2019s apprenticeship system is in need of repair: employer demand has retreated, the training pipeline continues to leak, and the workforce remains stubbornly siloed by gender. Faced with skill shortages the domestic system cannot resolve, many employers have turned to global talent instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Australia needs more people entering training and, more importantly, finishing it. And that means making apprenticeships genuinely attractive for both employers and workers. Many of these roles offer strong wages, low exposure to artificial intelligence and have persistently high demand. Existing incentives may appear generous, but the data speaks for itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Critical skill shortages slow down infrastructure projects, weigh on productivity and make it more difficult for Australian businesses to realise their full potential. Strengthening Australia\u2019s apprenticeship system should be a key economic priority for federal and state governments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, those in power recognise the need for reform. Last year, the federal government released their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dewr.gov.au\/download\/16796\/strategic-review-australian-apprenticeship-incentive-system-overview-fact-sheet\/39424\/strategic-review-australian-apprenticeship-incentive-system-overview-fact-sheet\/pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">strategic review of Australia\u2019s apprenticeship system<\/a>, outlining 34 recommendations to fix the existing system. These recommendations cover the issues raised in this blog post \u2013 along with many others. Now they just need to be implemented.<\/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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Apprenticeship or traineeship job postings are defined as those that feature phrases such as \u2018apprenticeship\u2019 or \u2018traineeship\u2019, along with variations, in their job title. Similarly, jobseeker searches for apprenticeship or traineeship opportunities are those who use these phrases when searching for jobs on the Indeed website.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Data on occupation shortages comes from Jobs and Skills Australia, with occupations defined at the 6-digit level based on the ANZSCO 2022 classifications.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Australia\u2019s apprenticeship market cooled further last year and has continued to do so in early 2026. Job postings for apprentices and trainees are now well below pre-pandemic levels, even as skill shortages persist, with many employers looking overseas for talent.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":12838,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"recruiter-hub-blocks.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[139],"post_mwm_category":[226],"post_topic":[],"post_content_type":[],"post_duration":[],"post_actions":[],"post_franchise":[],"post_mwm_author":[182],"class_list":["post-12828","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-spotlight","post_mwm_category-jobseeker-behaviour","post_mwm_author-cpickering"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Under Construction: Australia\u2019s Apprenticeship System Needs Repairs - Indeed Hiring Lab Australia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Australia\u2019s apprenticeship market cooled further last year and has continued to do so in early 2026. 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