Apprentice numbers up in WA

The number of people training as apprentices in WA has increased by 29 per cent over the last five years, according to research by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

This compares to a national increase of 10.5 per cent between June 2005 and June 2010.

The study also found there has been an increase in the number of trainees starting training, with 14,400 commencements in the first half of 2010, up from 12,300 in the first half of 2009.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier said the figures show the strength of the state's training system.

He said the statistics were also an asset when it came to maximising the availability of labour.

"WA is well positioned to benefit from the economic surge, with high numbers of people in training to learn skills that will support our State's development," Mr Collier said.

"The latest figures from the Department of Training and Workforce Development show there was a 39 per cent increase in apprenticeship commencements for the last
12 months to September 2010 compared to the previous 12 months.

"It is pleasing to see 38,896 apprentices and trainees in training in WA in September 2010, up 6.6 per cent from the same time last year," he said.