Newly released national data covering both apprenticeships and traineeships from 1963 to 2025 has provided a long-term view of how Australia’s training system has grown and changed over time – and how numbers have increased in that time.

According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) total apprenticeship and trainee commencements in Australia have increased from 22,600 in the early 1960s to 133,300 in 2025 – more than quadrupling over the six decades.  Currently more than 300,000 Australians are in training as apprentices or trainees, with the workforce in New South Wales alone increasing from 33,435 in 1969 to 90,032 in 2025. That’s an almost three-fold increase

The data has shown the commencements of people aged between 25 and 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.

At just 19, Tura Beach apprentice Nicholas Taylor has completed a Certificate III in Bread Baking through TAFE NSW, qualifying as a baker before he event turned 18.

Nicholas discovered his love for the work through a school holiday trial at a local bakery, and completed his apprenticeship across Bega and Tura Beach, with block training delivered at TAFE NSW Cooma. He is now employed as a qualified baker in the region.

“School wasn’t the right fit for me, but I knew I wanted a hands-on career,” Nicholas said.

“An apprenticeship allowed me to earn while I learned and gain real industry experience, and the practical training and support I received through TAFE NSW gave me the confidence and skills to success as a baker.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the data provides a clear picture of how apprenticeships and traineeships continue to support Australia’s workforce.

“These figures show how apprenticeships and traineeships have remained a key pathway into skilled work over time,” he said.

The research has shown employment in food trade occupations – including butchers, bakers and commercial cooks – has grown strongly in NSW, from 37,500 in 1996 to 65,300 in 2025.