The number of people completing training courses has almost halved in the past five years.

A review of government services has found the number of government-funded vocational education and training completions was 144,100 in 2018 , down from 254,800 in 2014.

Labor’s education and training spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek says the 43 per cent decline is an “alarming” result of the Liberals ripping $3 billion from TAFE and training.

“Is it any wonder our nation has a shortage of bricklayers, plumbers, hairdressers, panelbeaters, and other critical tradies?” Ms Plibersek told reporters.

“Scott Morrison has created a tradie shortage in Australia and this latest data show's he is doing nothing to fix it.”

She said businesses need more qualified workers, pointing to a Australian Industry Group survey that found 75 per cent of businesses struggle to find the qualified workers they need.

“That's bad for business and bad for the economy,” Ms Plibersek said.

“By locking Australians out of education, the Liberals are locking Australians out of jobs.”