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 Light (RegC), accounting for 43.1% (5,440 people). This share was lower than Regional SA (47.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in bachelor degree or higher, which increased by 425 people and 2.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Light (RegC) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Light (RegC) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Light (RegC), with comparison markers for Regional SA.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
1,756
% of total
13.9%
Change from 2016
+2.4pp
1,756
13.9%
+2.4pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
1,108
% of total
8.8%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
1,108
8.8%
+0.2pp
Vocational
2021 count
3,474
% of total
27.5%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
3,474
27.5%
+1.0pp
No Qualification
2021 count
5,440
% of total
43.1%
Change from 2016
-2.1pp
5,440
43.1%
-2.1pp
Not Stated
2021 count
838
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
838
6.6%
-1.5pp
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
+425
+2.4pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
+116
+0.2pp
Vocational
+414
+1.0pp
No Qualification
+220
-2.1pp
Not Stated
-101
-1.5pp
Data table
Qualifications for Light (RegC). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 1,756 | 13.9% | 11.3% | 1,331 | 11.5% | 9.3% | +425 | +2.4pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 1,108 | 8.8% | 7.3% | 992 | 8.6% | 6.8% | +116 | +0.2pp |
| Vocational | 3,474 | 27.5% | 24.3% | 3,060 | 26.5% | 23.0% | +414 | +1.0pp |
| No Qualification | 5,440 | 43.1% | 47.1% | 5,220 | 45.2% | 48.7% | +220 | -2.1pp |
| Not Stated | 838 | 6.6% | 10.1% | 939 | 8.1% | 12.1% | -101 | -1.5pp |
| Total | 12,616 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 11,542 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,074 | 0.0pp |