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Decline in unemployment rates greatest for those with tertiary qualifications below degree level

The improved labour market has seen a sharp decline in unemployment rates over the last two years. The key difference now is between the unemployment rates of those with a qualification (school or tertiary) and those with no qualifications at all. This situation reflects the recent increase in demand for labour at all skill levels.

The largest declines in unemployment rates have been for those with sixth form and above school qualifications and vocational and trade qualifications (1.6 and 1.5 percentage points respectively). However, over time, those with higher qualifications have had much better and more even employment outcomes than those with lower tertiary qualifications.

Unemployment rates by highest qualification 1991–2004

Note: Numbers are for the June quarter of each year.
Source: Statistics New Zealand, Household Labour Force Survey

Real income growth for those with degrees and vocational and trade qualifications

However, there are still notable differences in incomes by level of tertiary qualification. From 2002 to 2004 there has been an increase of 2 to 3 percent in the real median weekly income¹ of those with degrees and vocational and trade qualifications. There has been no increase for those with other tertiary qualifications ².

Median real weekly income(2004 dollars) by highest qualification 1997–2004

Source: Statistics New Zealand, New Zealand Income Survey

¹ Real income refers to income adjusted for inflation over time, in this case adjusting to the equivalent value of income as at June 2004. Median income is an amount of income at which half of the people has a higher income and half a lower income. (↑)

² Other tertiary qualifications here covers those with general certificates and diplomas, as well as teaching and nursing certificates and diplomas. It does not include teaching and nursing degrees. (↑)

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• Table of Contents

• The State of Play

• Cross Strategy Indicators

• Raise foundation skills

• Skills for our knowledge society

• Strengthen research and knowledge creation

• Te rautaki mātauranga Māori

• Pacific people’s development and success

• Capability and quality

• Technical and Data Definitions