SA leads nation in apprenticeship commencement and retention: special ECEC mention 

South Australia’s Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker has made special mention of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector when commenting on recently released figures released by the National Centre for Vocational Research (NCVER), saying that ECEC has shown consistent quarter-on-quarter growth, highlighting a positive response to traineeship arrangements aimed at addressing the demand for qualified educators.

Overall the data shows that the percentage increase of South Australians commencing apprenticeships is the highest in the country, while the state recorded the greatest percentage decrease of cancellations or withdrawals in the nation for the 2023-24 financial year, down 26.6 per cent.

The NCVER data covers the June quarter and the 2023-24 financial year, and showed increases in commencements, in-training, and completions for state priority areas, including ECEC. 

A massive increase of commencements was recorded in the June quarter, 28.9 per cent higher than for the same period in 2023, with 2,690 South Australians starting training in the three-month period.

The state also led the nation, achieving the greatest percentage decrease of cancellations or withdrawals in the country with a 26.6 per cent drop in the 12 months to 30 June 2024.

Commencements in priority areas rose by 5.9 per cent to 5,810 over the last financial year, with the top commencements in:

• Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician – 840, up 3.8 per cent.
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care – 450, up 35.6 per cent
• Certificate III in Plumbing – 360, up 16.3 per cent
• Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade – 335, up 5.6 per cent
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – 225, up 40.9 per cent

Overall commencements of apprenticeships and traineeships rose over the 12 months to 30 June – with 9,660 starting (up 1.8 per cent) – and over the June quarter – with 2,690 starters (up 605, 28.9 per cent).

There were 6,870 total completions in 12 months ending 30 June 2024; a rise of 230 or 3.5 per cent, which is the equal second highest percentage rise in the nation.

“This is an outstanding achievement as our Government looks to deliver its ambitious agenda of training more skilled workers for the jobs we’re creating in early childhood, defence, construction and health,” SA Education Minister Blair Boyer said. 

Commissioner Baker agreed, saying the figures show an encouraging trend for key sectors facing workforce shortages. 

“It is equally promising to see an increase in completions and a significant decline in cancellations and withdrawals,” he said. 

“This indicates that more apprentices and trainees are successfully completing their training and entering the workforce fully prepared. These outcomes reflect the impact of government initiatives and reforms driven by the South Australian Skills Commission, in collaboration with industry, within the VET sector.”