The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has released a compelling new report, Understanding the value of pre-apprenticeships, highlighting the significant positive impact of pre-apprenticeship programs on apprenticeship completion rates.

• Students who completed a pre-apprenticeship in the same field as their subsequent apprenticeship were 7.3 percentage points more likely to complete their apprenticeship compared to those without such preparatory training.

•  In trade occupations, the completion rate increased by 4.1 percentage points for those who had undertaken a pre-apprenticeship.

•  Younger apprentices, males, and individuals not identifying with an equity group showed higher commencement and completion rates post pre-apprenticeship enrollment.

Pre-apprenticeship programs serve as a bridge between initial interest and full commitment to a trade. They offer hands-on experience and foundational skills, helping students make informed career choices and better prepare for the demands of an apprenticeship. NCVER Managing Director John King emphasized that “pre-apprenticeships help turn initial curiosity into commitment, building both skills and passion.

While the benefits are clear, the study also found that approximately one-third of students who did not complete their pre-apprenticeship still transitioned into apprenticeships. However, these individuals were less likely to complete their apprenticeships compared to those who had not enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship program. This suggests a need to understand and address the factors leading to early exits from pre-apprenticeship programs to enhance overall apprenticeship success rates.

The findings underscore the importance of well-designed pre-apprenticeship programs aligned with specific job tasks and tailored to diverse learner needs. For policymakers, educators, and industry leaders, investing in and refining these programs could be a strategic move to bolster the skilled workforce and reduce apprenticeship attrition rates.

For a deeper dive into the research, access the full report here

This information was sourced from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research Page and was edited prior to publication.

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