Advanced trade, technical and professional qualifications – matching supply to demand
There is a limited number of areas where it is clear that increasing the number of people with trade, technical or professional qualifications would definitely reduce skill shortages. These areas are in engineering, building and medical professions. Demand in these areas has been driven by increased use of technology, increased construction activity and increased demand for health services. In other areas examined in the report, improving the quality and relevance of qualifications is likely to be as important, or even more important, than increasing the number of people graduating.
This is report is the second in a series of three reports looking at the supply of and demand for advanced trade, technical and professional qualifications. The first report, looking at demand for qualifications is available on Education Counts.
Author: David Earle [Ministry of Education]Date Published: July 2008
11 - Other fields of study
11.1 Accountancy
The first report noted that there appeared to be some shortages for accountants, in particular auditors. The available data from the census looks at people with accountancy qualifications as a group.
People with bachelors and above in accountancy are more likely to work in the ‘other professionals’ occupation group, which includes accountants. They have a slightly lower unemployment rate of 2.4 percent, compared with 2.9 percent for other people with bachelors and above. People with bachelors and above in accountancy are likely to earn more as managers and professionals than others with the same level of qualification.
Figure 11.1: Are people with accountancy qualifications more likely to work in related occupations?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Figure 11.2: Are people with accountancy qualifications likely to earn more?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Likelihood of earning more than $70,000 a year.
11.2 Finance and sales
In the first report, shortages of finance and sales associate professionals were noted. Specialists in these areas are likely to have diplomas and bachelors degrees in sales and marketing or banking and finance.
People with diplomas and bachelors in finance and sales tend to be spread across occupations. Unemployment rates are higher for people with qualifications in these fields. Those with diplomas had an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent, compared with 2.8 percent for people with diplomas in other fields. For bachelors level, the figures were 4.0 percent and 2.9 percent respectively.
People with bachelors and above are likely to earn more as managers than others with the same level of qualification. At diploma level, those working as managers, professionals and associate professionals are likely to earn more than those with diplomas.
Figure 11.3: Are people with finance and sales qualifications more likely to work in related occupations?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Figure 11.4: Are people with finance and sales qualifications likely to earn more?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Likelihood of earning more than $50,000 a year for diplomas and more than $70,000 for bachelors and above.
11.3 Human and welfare studies and services
The first report found that there is an ongoing shortage of social workers due to low graduate supply, recruitment and retention difficulties, and the demands of study on the current workforce to upgrade their qualifications to meet the new registration requirements. Social work qualifications are included within human welfare studies and services. Social workers are classed as associate professionals in terms of occupation.
People with diplomas and bachelors and above in human and welfare studies and services are more likely to work as ‘other associate professionals’ (which includes social workers) than others with the same level of qualification. However, they are much more likely to be unemployed. The unemployment rate for people with diplomas in this field was 5.2 percent in 2006 and 3.6 percent for bachelors. These compare with 2.8 percent and 2.9 percent respectively for other fields. They are also likely to earn substantially less than other people with the same level of qualification.
Figure 11.5: Are people with human and welfare studies and services qualifications more likely to work in related occupations?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Figure 11.6: Are people with human and welfare studies and services qualifications likely to earn more?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Likelihood of earning more than $50,000 a year for diplomas and more than $70,000 for bachelors and above.
11.4 Behavioural science
The first report found that there are ongoing shortages of psychologists. Qualifications for psychology are classified under behavioural science. Psychologists are included in the ‘other professions’.
People with bachelors or above in behavioural science are somewhat more likely to work as ‘other professionals’ and equally likely to work in management and other occupations. Their unemployment rate is a little higher than for people with bachelors or above in other fields at 3.1 percent, compared with 2.9 percent. They are likely to earn less than other people with bachelors and above if they are in a professional occupation and more if they are in a management occupation. In other occupations, their earnings are lower than others with the same level of qualification.
Figure 11.7: Are people with behavioural science qualifications more likely to work in related occupations?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Figure 11.8: Are people with behavioural science qualifications likely to earn more?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Likelihood of earning more than $70,000 per year.
11.5 Law
The first report found no evidence of severe shortages for legal professionals, although there is evidence of a shortage of qualified barristers and solicitors.
People with bachelors qualifications and above in law are much more likely to work as ‘other professionals’ and less likely to work in other occupations. Their unemployment rate in 2006 was 2.1 percent, compared with 2.9 percent for other people with bachelors and above. Those who work in management and professions earn more than other people with bachelors and above qualifications.
Figure 11.9: Are people with law qualifications more likely to work in related occupations?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Figure 11.10: Are people with law qualifications likely to earn more?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Likelihood of earning more than $70,000 per year.
11.6 Food and hospitality
The first report identified that there were shortages of butchers, bakers and chefs and that low levels of training in these areas may be a contributing factor. The qualifications for these jobs are generally level 4 certificates within the area of food and hospitality. Bakers and butchers are classified under ‘other craft and related trades workers’ and chefs and other kitchen workers as ‘personal and protective services workers’.
People with level 4 certificates in food and hospitality are more likely to work in the two occupations referred to above. They have slightly higher unemployment rates than others with level 4 certificates, at 2.9 percent compared with 2.5 percent. They earn less than others with level 4 certificates, particularly if they work as chefs or kitchen staff.
Figure 11.11: Are people with food and hospitality qualifications more likely to work in related occupations?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Figure 11.12: Are people with food and hospitality qualifications likely to earn more?
Compared with people with the same level of qualification in other fields.
Likelihood of earning more than $50,000 per year.