Retention rates fall, but nationwide trainee numbers increase

updated on 15 January 2013

Trainee retention rates have fallen overall for the first time since 2009, according to a survey conducted by the Chambers Student Guide.

The survey asked 123 commercial firms how many of their trainees were retained out of those that qualified in 2012. The results revealed an overall retention rate of 79.1%, with 2,074 trainees moving into newly-qualified positions at their firms out of the 2,620 that qualified. This constitutes a decrease on last year's retention rate of 80.5%, though rates still remain well above the 2009 low of 74%.

The figures also revealed a general increase in the number of trainees, with the total number qualifying in 2012 16.3% higher than in 2011. This also means that the gross number of trainees retained in newly-qualified positions was 14.4% higher in 2012 than in 2011, despite the percentage drop in the retention rate itself.