Education
Qualifications
About this topic
Qualifications records the highest non-school qualification completed by people aged 15 years and over. It describes post-school educational attainment such as certificates, diplomas, and university degrees.
This topic is a key indicator of skill level and socio-economic opportunity within an area. It is most useful when read with employment status, occupation, and income, which show how qualifications relate to labour market outcomes.
Interpretation notes
- This topic uses highest completed non-school qualification, so incomplete study and current enrolment do not count as attained qualifications.
- It applies to people aged 15 years and over and should be read with schooling for the full education profile.
Related topics
Key insight
In 2021, vocational was the most common qualification level among residents aged 15 and over in Ashburton (S), accounting for 30.1% (1,709 people). This share was higher than Regional WA (24.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in vocational, which decreased by 2,203 people and 4.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Ashburton (S) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Ashburton (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Ashburton (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
660
% of total
11.6%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
660
11.6%
+0.6pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
391
% of total
6.9%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
391
6.9%
+0.2pp
Vocational
2021 count
1,709
% of total
30.1%
Change from 2016
-4.5pp
1,709
30.1%
-4.5pp
No Qualification
2021 count
1,642
% of total
29.0%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
1,642
29.0%
+1.4pp
Not Stated
2021 count
1,268
% of total
22.4%
Change from 2016
+2.3pp
1,268
22.4%
+2.3pp
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
-584
+0.6pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
-369
+0.2pp
Vocational
-2,203
-4.5pp
No Qualification
-1,479
+1.4pp
Not Stated
-1,000
+2.3pp
Data table
Qualifications for Ashburton (S). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 660 | 11.6% | 13.5% | 1,244 | 11.0% | 11.6% | -584 | +0.6pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 391 | 6.9% | 7.6% | 760 | 6.7% | 7.3% | -369 | +0.2pp |
| Vocational | 1,709 | 30.1% | 24.7% | 3,912 | 34.6% | 24.0% | -2,203 | -4.5pp |
| No Qualification | 1,642 | 29.0% | 40.5% | 3,121 | 27.6% | 42.3% | -1,479 | +1.4pp |
| Not Stated | 1,268 | 22.4% | 13.6% | 2,268 | 20.1% | 14.8% | -1,000 | +2.3pp |
| Total | 5,670 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 11,305 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -5,635 | 0.0pp |