Statistics regarding Australians participating in apprenticeships and traineeships in the electrical and electronics trades in 1995-1999 were reviewed to provide an indication of where skill shortages may be occurring or will likely occur in relation to the following occupations: electrical engineering associate professional; electronics engineering technician; electrical and electronics tradespersons; and electrical and telecommunications trades assistants. The review focused on the following items: commencements, number in training, and completions; age; Australian Qualifications Framework level; geographic region by state/territory; school attendance status; other training; and enrollment figures versus projected employment trends. The following were among the main findings: (1) for all selected electrical and electronics trades together but excluding electrical and telecommunications trades assistants, commencements and numbers in training grew but completions declined from 1995 to 1998; (2) of the specific occupations reviewed within the four occupational categories, two (electronics and office equipment tradespersons and electrical distribution tradespersons) declined; (3) in 1995-1998, electrical and electronics trade commencements increased in every state and territory except Tasmania; and (4) the communications tradespersons occupation category had the highest forecast average annual growth rate (5.4%) and has also experienced one of the greatest growth rates (44.7%) for apprentices and trainees from 1995 to 1998. (Contains 12 tables.) (MN)