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 Shellharbour (C), accounting for 41% (25,292 people). This share was higher than Regional NSW (39.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in vocational, which increased by 2,670 people and 1.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Shellharbour (C) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Shellharbour (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NSW and change since 2016.
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Shellharbour (C), with comparison markers for Regional NSW.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
8,388
% of total
13.6%
Change from 2016
+3.2pp
8,388
13.6%
+3.2pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
5,899
% of total
9.6%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
5,899
9.6%
+1.0pp
Vocational
2021 count
17,434
% of total
28.3%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
17,434
28.3%
+1.4pp
No Qualification
2021 count
25,292
% of total
41.0%
Change from 2016
-3.2pp
25,292
41.0%
-3.2pp
Not Stated
2021 count
4,642
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
-2.4pp
4,642
7.5%
-2.4pp
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
+2,666
+3.2pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
+1,189
+1.0pp
Vocational
+2,670
+1.4pp
No Qualification
+1,046
-3.2pp
Not Stated
-770
-2.4pp
Data table
Qualifications for Shellharbour (C). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 8,388 | 13.6% | 17.8% | 5,722 | 10.4% | 14.5% | +2,666 | +3.2pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 5,899 | 9.6% | 8.7% | 4,710 | 8.6% | 8.2% | +1,189 | +1.0pp |
| Vocational | 17,434 | 28.3% | 24.4% | 14,764 | 26.9% | 23.6% | +2,670 | +1.4pp |
| No Qualification | 25,292 | 41.0% | 39.1% | 24,246 | 44.2% | 41.7% | +1,046 | -3.2pp |
| Not Stated | 4,642 | 7.5% | 10.0% | 5,412 | 9.9% | 12.1% | -770 | -2.4pp |
| Total | 61,655 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 54,854 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +6,801 | 0.0pp |