Have you got a reference for that Taily? In my experience, the figure is more like 50%.
No. And you won't find statistics.
Only those that complete a traditional on the job apprenticeship, subject to a Training Contract registered through their State Training Authority, are included in Government statistics.
Those who complete an RTO one or two year Certificate III or Certificate IV in-house college courses, not subject to a registered Training Contract, are not apprentices and their qualification is provided by the RTO, not registered through a State Training Authority.
A person who is not an Australian Citizen or Australian Permanent Resident can not undertake a registered Australian Apprenticeship. Overseas students undertaking Cert III or Cert IV trade courses in Australia are not apprentices, nor is their qualification registered through a State Training Authority.
Many Australians are also completing expensive one or two year RTO Cert III and IV aeroskills courses and wonder why they have problems gaining employment as AME. There is still no substitute for a traditional four year apprenticeship.