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 Lightning Ridge, accounting for 41.8% (696 people). This share was higher than Walgett (A) (39.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in no qualification, which decreased by 237 people and 6.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Lightning Ridge - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Lightning Ridge in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Walgett (A) and change since 2016.
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Lightning Ridge, with comparison markers for Walgett (A).
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
134
% of total
8.1%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
134
8.1%
+0.8pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
108
% of total
6.5%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
108
6.5%
+0.2pp
Vocational
2021 count
326
% of total
19.6%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
326
19.6%
+1.4pp
No Qualification
2021 count
696
% of total
41.8%
Change from 2016
-6.3pp
696
41.8%
-6.3pp
Not Stated
2021 count
400
% of total
24.0%
Change from 2016
+4.0pp
400
24.0%
+4.0pp
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
-7
+0.8pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
-15
+0.2pp
Vocational
-27
+1.4pp
No Qualification
-237
-6.3pp
Not Stated
+12
+4.0pp
Data table
Qualifications for Lightning Ridge. Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Walgett (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Walgett (A)% | Count | % | Walgett (A)% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 134 | 8.1% | 8.9% | 141 | 7.3% | 8.6% | -7 | +0.8pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 108 | 6.5% | 6.3% | 123 | 6.3% | 6.2% | -15 | +0.2pp |
| Vocational | 326 | 19.6% | 17.2% | 353 | 18.2% | 16.1% | -27 | +1.4pp |
| No Qualification | 696 | 41.8% | 39.1% | 933 | 48.1% | 50.8% | -237 | -6.3pp |
| Not Stated | 400 | 24.0% | 28.5% | 388 | 20.0% | 18.2% | +12 | +4.0pp |
| Total | 1,664 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,938 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -274 | 0.0pp |