The number of people starting trade and non-trade apprenticeships and traineeships has increased for the first time in over a year.
Estimates from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) show trade commencements increased from 20, 900 in the June 2014 quarter to 21, 500 in the September 2014 quarter.
Non-trades increased from 27, 400 in the June 2014 quarter to 28, 800 in the September 2014 quarter.
Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said the figures are proof the government's vocational, education and training reforms are working.
He said the $1.9 billion Trade Support Loans program for Australian apprentices learning their trade is proving popular with more than 9,500 young Australians taking up loans since August.
"This Government is not only encouraging young people to take up an apprenticeship, but is providing an incentive to complete it," Macfarlane said.
"Our wider package of reforms will ensure Australia’s skills and training system is industry-led and industry-relevant in order to build a skilled and job-ready workforce.”
The Minister has just returned from Asia, where he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea to enable cooperation in technical vocational education and training.
He also led a delegation of over 100 Australian representatives to India to encourage greater skills collaboration with that country.