Statistics regarding Australians participating in apprenticeships and traineeships in the mechanical engineering and fabrication 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: mechanical engineering trades; fabrication engineering trades; mechanical engineering associate professional; and metallurgical and materials technician. 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) in 1995-1998 both mechanical engineering and fabrication trade occupation groups experienced declines in commencements but strong growth in commencements in 1998; (2) the mechanical engineering trade occupation experiences a decline in completions in 1995-1998, whereas the fabrication occupation growth experienced growth in completions in 1995-1998 (10% annually); (3) indications are that the number of apprentices and trainees in the mechanical and fabrication engineering tradespersons category will decrease from the current level of around 9%; and (4) although employment in manufacturing is expected to experience low growth over the short term, specific employment growth rates differ significantly within by subdivision of the industry. (Contains 26 tables.) (MN)