The economic downturn has increased the popularity of apprenticeships, according to a study.
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) found the low wages associated with undertaking an apprenticeship did not put applicants off during the downturn.
Instead, the prospect of good pay and high employability once qualified as a tradesperson boosted the attractiveness for potential apprentices and completion rates have risen 12.4% from 2008 to 2010.
Dr Tom Karmel, managing director for NCVER, said: "When times were tough alternative employment became less appealing compared to being an apprentice or trainee and in general the benefits of completing increased.
"But when times are good it is harder to keep apprentices and trainees because more opportunities are available."
The likelihood of finding a better-paid alternative during an apprenticeship dropped between 2008 and 2010, when the global economy was in turmoil, the study found.
However, a low wage in itself is not enough to put off potential apprentices.
"In terms of completion rates for apprentices, training wages don’t make much of a difference. The more important factor is what apprentices get paid as fully-qualified tradespeople," Dr Karmel explained.
Qualified tradespeople remain in demand and wages on qualification are still strong, making an apprenticeship an attractive option, the study concluded.