Australia's apprenticeship system was examined in 11 individual research projects that focused on various aspects of the system, including the following: milestones in its development; its changing structure; its broadening occupational base and client base; characteristics of apprentices; completion and attrition rates; outcomes from traditional apprenticeships, traineeships, and new apprenticeships; and future directions. The following were among the major findings: (1) program enrollments reached 295,000 in December 2000; (2) the new apprenticeships have moved the system beyond the traditional trades, enabling it to reflect the Australian labor market's structure better than ever before; (3) by opening up to people of all ages, Australia's apprenticeship system has managed to adjust to global changes in the nature of work and rapid aging of the population without reducing opportunities for young people; (4) more than 90% of new apprentices are employed 3 months after completion of their apprenticeship; (5) the long-term labor market prospects of apprentices at the equivalent of certificate III level or higher are second only to university graduates in terms of high rates of employment and the lowest rates of unemployment; and (6) the system could potentially grow to more than 400,000 apprenticeships. (Eighteen tables/figures are included. The bibliography lists 15 references.) (MN)