Training snapshot
Between 2016 and 2020, program enrolments in Laboratory Operations-related qualifications declined to their lowest point in 2018 to approximately 5,780, before increasing in 2019 and 2020 to more than 7,460. Annual program completion numbers between 2016 and 2018, from approximately 3,150 to 2,710, before increasing in 2019 and 2020 to 3,840.
Training delivered as part of a nationally recognised program dominates this industry compared with training not delivered as part of a nationally recognised program. In 2020, there were more than 55,180 enrolments in subjects delivered as part of a nationally recognised program compared with approximately 310 enrolments in subjects not delivered as part of a nationally recognised program. Enrolments in both types of training increased between 2019 and 2020.
Most program enrolments in Laboratory Operations-related qualifications in 2020 were spread across the certificate II (29%), certificate III (26%) and certificate IV levels (31%). The remaining 14% were in Diploma or higher qualifications. Nearly a third (31%) of program enrolments are in the Laboratory Techniques qualification group, with 29% in Sampling and Measurement group and over a quarter (26%) in Laboratory skills. The main intended occupation from training in this sector is Agricultural, Medical and Science Technicians (71%).
In 2020, just more than half (53%) of training in this sector was delivered by private training providers, with TAFE institutes delivering 34% of training. However, there was considerable variation depending on the different qualifications, with Laboratory Operations delivered solely by private training providers and TAFE institutes delivering nearly half (49%) of Laboratory Technology qualifications. Overall, approximately 81% of Laboratory Operations related qualifications were government funded. However, the funding was nearly equally split between government (51%) and domestic fee for service arrangements (49%) in Community education providers in 2020.
Queensland (45%) had the highest proportion of students enrolled in Laboratory Operations related qualification in 2020, followed by Victoria (17%), Western Australia (15%) and New South Wales (14%). Approximately 45% of training in this sector was delivered in Queensland, followed by 18% in both Western Australia and Victoria, and 14% in New South Wales.
Apprenticeship and traineeship commencements declined considerably between 2011 and 2017, from approximately 1,210 to 390, before increasing to nearly 950 in 2020. Over the same period, apprenticeship and traineeship completions increased between 2011 and 2014, from approximately 510 to 1,100 before declining to 220 in 2019. In 2020, completions rose to nearly 340 in 2020.
Apprenticeships and traineeships had the intended occupation of Agricultural, Medical and Science Technicians. In 2020, approximately 37% of apprenticeships and traineeships were undertaken in Queensland, followed by 30% in Western Australia and 14% in New South Wales.
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