This publication presents estimates of apprentice and trainee activity in Australia for the December quarter 2009. The figures in this publication are derived from the National Apprentice and Trainee Collection no.63 (March 2010 estimates). There were 414 900 apprentices and trainees in-training as at 31 December 2009, a decrease of 0.6% from the previous year. In the 12 months to 31 December 2009, compared with the previous year: (a) commencements decreased by 6.0%, to 271 400; (b) completions increased by 3.5%, to 159 400; and (c) cancellations and withdrawals decreased by 8.7%, to 122 000. For seasonally adjusted data, comparing the December quarter 2009 with the September quarter 2009: (a) commencements in trades occupations increased by 4.3%; (b) commencements in non-trades occupations increased by 1.7%; (c) completions increased by 1.2%; (d) cancellations and withdrawals decreased by 0.9%; and (e) in-training numbers increased by 0.2%. (Contains 19 tables, 3 figures, and 5 notes.) [For the supporting documents, see the following: (a) "Estimation of Apprentice and Trainee Statistics. Technical Paper" (ED510131); and (b) "Apprentices and Trainees: December Quarter 2009: Terms and Definitions. Support Document" (ED510132).]