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, no qualification was the most common qualification level among residents aged 15 and over in Smithfield (Qld), accounting for 36.4% (1,950 people). This share was higher than Cairns (R) (35.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in bachelor degree or higher, which decreased by 777 people and 23.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Smithfield (Qld) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Smithfield (Qld) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Cairns (R) and change since 2016.
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Smithfield (Qld), with comparison markers for Cairns (R).
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
1,172
% of total
21.9%
Change from 2016
-23.5pp
1,172
21.9%
-23.5pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
575
% of total
10.7%
Change from 2016
+3.0pp
575
10.7%
+3.0pp
Vocational
2021 count
1,239
% of total
23.1%
Change from 2016
+11.2pp
1,239
23.1%
+11.2pp
No Qualification
2021 count
1,950
% of total
36.4%
Change from 2016
+8.4pp
1,950
36.4%
+8.4pp
Not Stated
2021 count
420
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
420
7.8%
+0.8pp
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
-777
-23.5pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
+244
+3.0pp
Vocational
+730
+11.2pp
No Qualification
+749
+8.4pp
Not Stated
+119
+0.8pp
Data table
Qualifications for Smithfield (Qld). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Cairns (R)% | Count | % | Cairns (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 1,172 | 21.9% | 19.1% | 1,949 | 45.4% | 16.2% | -777 | -23.5pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 575 | 10.7% | 9.8% | 331 | 7.7% | 9.2% | +244 | +3.0pp |
| Vocational | 1,239 | 23.1% | 23.7% | 509 | 11.9% | 23.0% | +730 | +11.2pp |
| No Qualification | 1,950 | 36.4% | 35.5% | 1,201 | 28.0% | 38.4% | +749 | +8.4pp |
| Not Stated | 420 | 7.8% | 11.8% | 301 | 7.0% | 13.1% | +119 | +0.8pp |
| Total | 5,356 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4,291 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,065 | 0.0pp |