PATHWAYS FROM VOCATIONAL TO HIGHER EDUCATION
It is notable, that of all people aged 25-64 years with a higher education qualification, 18% had first attained a vocational education qualification. There are many reasons why people take part in further study, but a key motivation is to upgrade existing qualifications. This is highlighted by exploring education pathways in the fields of study of health and education.
Among 25-64 year olds who first attained a vocational education qualification in the fields of health and education, 26% and 48% respectively, had subsequently attained higher education qualifications. The majority did so in the same field as their original vocational qualification. The large proportions of people with multiple qualifications in these fields are, in part, due to historical changes to the educational requirements for nurses and teachers. In the 1970s a nurse was required to have the relevant qualification at a Certificate level, but this was gradually phased out and replaced by a Bachelor degree in the 1980s. Similarly, in the 1970s the Certificate level qualification for teachers was phased out and replaced by a Diploma, which in the 1990s was in turn phased out and replaced by a Bachelor degree.
Analysis of data by age indicates that a higher proportion of older people who first gained a vocational education qualification in the fields of health and education have subsequently gained higher education qualifications than younger people. Changes to accreditation may have prompted teachers and nurses to upgrade their qualifications or, alternatively, to retrain in another field.
PEOPLE AGED 25-64 YEARS, EDUCATION PATHWAYS: VOCATIONAL TO HIGHER EDUCATION - FIELDS OF STUDY OF HEALTH AND EDUCATION - 2009
 | Health
(%) | Education
(%) |
| With higher education qualification | 25.8 | 48.3 |
|
| 20.1 | 33.8 |
|
| 5.7 | 14.4 |
| No higher education qualification | 74.2 | 51.7 |
Source: ABS 2009 Survey of Education and Training
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