Data released by the Productivity Commission revealed Tasmanian apprentice rates have hovered around 9 per cent between 2006 and 2012. Rates spiked in 2014 to about 10 per cent but declined again in 2015.

Rates for apprentices in Victoria hovered around 7 per cent but spiked to above 12 per cent in 2012 and dropped dramatically to about 9 per cent in 2015.

A similar spike to above 12 per cent was recorded in 2012 in South Australia before a drop in 2015 recorded about 7 per cent.

The Productivity Commission data was released this year as part of a broader inquiry into Government Services in Australia.

The data has resulted in a call from national industry bodies for the federal government to commit to fund a new program focusing on apprenticeships.

The call also urges the government to maintain funding for the national partnership agreement.

State Growth Minister Matthew Groom said the state government would be supportive of finalising a new national partnership agreement with the federal government, but would not support a federal takeover.

“We do not support a Commonwealth takeover of our apprentice and trainee system, with our local employers and their apprentices and trainees benefiting from a system that is tailored to their needs,” he said.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein hinted that a support package for Tasmanian apprentices would be made in the state budget.

”We are currently engaged with stakeholders but I will have more to say about that in the budget,” he said.

The state government announced $600,000 in funding to support small businesses to employ and apprentice or trainee and also proivided $900,000 in funding for the Work Readiness for Growth program.

Tasmania has about 8000 apprentices and trainees already engaged in training.