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.”

-ENDS-

Media enquiries and interviews

Barry Jackson – National Marketing and Communications

E barry.jackson@neca.asn.au

D 02 9962 6904

M 0457 767 328

Notes for editors

1. NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide.
2. NECA is run by electrical contractors, for electrical contractors.
3. We have 5,000 contracting companies as members – and they in turn employ over 50,000 people Australia-wide.
4. NECA employs almost 350 people across its seven chapters (Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia).
5. The chapters provide NECA members with a range of services including: Industrial Relations, Health & Safety, Legal, Technical, Training, business-support services, product discounts and advocacy representation in Canberra with Government, Industry bodies and Training bodies.
6. NECA wholly-owns its Legal firm, Group Training and the NECA Colleges (in WA) and EcoSmart Electricians – and has joint ventures with a superannuation company (NSW) and one of the national cabling registrars (ACRS).
7. NECA also employ around 2,000 apprentice electricians and provides training to a further 2,000.
8. For further information go to www.neca.asn.au.