This publication presents estimates of apprentice and trainee activity in Australia for the December quarter 2016. The figures in this publication are derived from the National Apprentice and Trainee Collection no.91 (March 2017 estimates). The most recent figures in this publication are estimated (that is, for training activity from the June quarter 2015 to the December quarter 2016). Estimates take into account reporting lags that occur at the time of data collection. Consequently, the figures in this publication may differ from those published in earlier or later reports. The figures in bold are the actual numbers. Estimated data are presented on a quarterly and 12-month ending series basis. The 12-month ending series is particularly useful in showing longer-term data trends, but is less useful in identifying turning points. This publication also presents early trend estimates for the March quarter 2017 for seasonally adjusted and smoothed commencements at the national level for trades and non-trades occupations. Seasonal adjustment and smoothing involves the use of a mathematical model to smooth out fluctuations due to seasonal influences. These early trend estimates cannot be disaggregated further by state and territory. Note that the percentages presented in this publication are reported to one decimal place. All other numbers, after aggregation, have been rounded to the nearest hundred. Rounding can lead to instances where the numbers in the body of a given table might not add to the rounded totals. [For "Adjustment Notes for Apprentice and Trainee Estimates: December Quarter 2016. Support Document," see ED574674. To access "Apprentices and Trainees: Terms and Definitions. Support Document," see ED574673.]