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This paper analyses the trends in traditional apprenticeships since 1996. The definition of a 'traditional apprentice' used in this report is a person on a contract within the trades and related workers occupation group which is at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level III qualification or above, with more than two years expected duration for full-time and more than eight years expected duration for part-time or school-based contracts. Trends in 'traditional apprenticeship' contracts are compared to trends in other contracts. Characteristics of all apprentices and trainees in-training are also examined. The study found that growth in the apprenticeship and traineeship system in the past six years has been mostly outside 'traditional apprenticeships'. 'Traditional apprenticeship' numbers have grown slightly over the period with growth in most trade occupations. The analysis concludes that 'traditional apprenticeships' were mostly undertaken by younger males, at AQF level III and full-time, while other apprenticeships and traineeships were more likely to be undertaken by older females working part-time. There has been growth in the overall participation rate of apprentices and trainees as a proportion of employed persons, from 2% in 1996 to 4% in 2002. However the proportion in the trades and related workers occupations has been consistently around 11% over the period. There is also a high proportion of teenagers in trade employment who are studying 'traditional apprenticeships'. The proportion is also significant for full-time teenage employment.