Glenreagh apprentice tackles big rigs as part of long-term skills growth

NEW national data covering apprenticeships and traineeships from 1963 to 2025 provides a long-term view of how Australia’s training system has grown and changed over time.

According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), total apprenticeship and trainee commencements in Australia increased from 22,600 in the early 1960s to 133,300 in 2025, more than quadrupling over six decades.

Today, more than 300,000 Australians are in training as apprentices or trainees, with the in-training workforce in NSW increasing from 33,435 in 1969 to 90,032 in 2025 – almost a three-fold increase.

NCVER reports a marked shift in the age profile of people starting apprenticeships.

Last year, around 39,895 people aged 25 and over commenced an apprenticeship, compared with just over 5,339 in 1995.

Automotive and engineering trade commencements more than doubled over six decades, rising from 9,406 in the early 1960s to 19,982 in 2025.

After spending time travelling, Glenreagh local Billy York is among those students, taking on a mature-age apprenticeship as a heavy vehicle mechanic.

“I’ve always had a passion for engines so when I got an opportunity to start an apprenticeship working with trucks I grabbed it,” he said.

“I love fixing things, I enjoy a challenge and what better challenge than working on big rigs.”

Billy said learning to diagnose an engine fault is a major part of his apprenticeship.

“It’s a bit like tackling life’s challenges – identify the issue, trace it back to the cause, and work through a solution. I think my biggest achievement has been self-growth, not only in my mechanical knowledge through my apprenticeship, but in who I am as a person.

“Through my training, I’ve developed skills across all areas of this trade, and I’m passionate about passing them,” he said.

His goal after completing his apprenticeship is to continue building his qualifications.

“I plan to gain a second trade as a plant mechanic and maybe even complete my light vehicle qualification as well,” he said.

“Within the next 10 years, I would like to be running my own business and sharing my knowledge by teaching others.”

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,” Minister Whan said.

“TAFE NSW plays a critical role in training apprentices and trainees in partnership with employers to deliver skills that work for students, industry, and communities across the state.”