This article contains information on Post-school Qualification and Examples.
A qualification is a formally recognized award for educational or training attainment.
What is a Post School Qualification?
A Post-school qualification [1] is the highest qualification a person aged 15 years and above has gained. In other words, a post-school qualification refers to any educational attainment that comes after completing secondary or high school education, irrespective of the route followed. It may consist of various levels of education and training that individuals pursue to enhance their skills, knowledge, and employability beyond the basic level of schooling. Post-school qualifications can be obtained from Universities, Tvet colleges, Vocational training centers, and other educational institutions.
Included are qualifications awarded by educational and training institutions, as well as those gained from on-the-job training.
Importance of Post School Qualifications
It has become a norm among students to quit school after high school. Sometimes, this is inspired by the common saying “school na scam” (education is a scam), hence the belief that education is a waste of time. Well, while this statement was coined by graduates who were frustrated by unemployment after years of job search, it is not enough to discourage others from furthering their education.
Post-school qualifications offer several advantages [2] and are of great importance for personal, professional, and societal growth. Here are some benefits:
1. Better Career Opportunities
One of the benefits of post-school qualifications is that it opens doors to a wider range of career opportunities. They provide specialized knowledge and skills that are sought after by employers, increasing your chances of securing well-paying and fulfilling jobs.
2. Higher Earning Potential
Individuals with post-school qualifications often earn higher salaries compared to those with only a basic education. Advanced qualifications show expertise and dedication, which can lead to better-paying positions.
No wonder the popular saying, ” If you want to earn more, learn more.”
3. Skill Development
These qualifications provide the chance to develop specialized skills that are relevant to specific industries or fields. This can make you more competitive and adaptable in the ever-changing job market.
4. Personal Growth
Pursuing further education challenges you intellectually and encourages personal growth. It broadens your horizons, boosts self-confidence, and promotes critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Therefore, if there’s any reason to consider post-school qualifications, it is for personal development. This gives a sense of accomplishment for hard work and dedication to your education.
5. Professional Credibility
Obtaining post-school qualifications can enhance your professional credibility and reputation. It signifies your commitment to continuous learning and dedication to your chosen field.
6. Specialization
Post-school qualifications allow you to specialize in a specific area of interest. This specialization can make you an expert in your niche, increasing your value to employers and clients.
7. Career Switching
For those looking to transition to a new career, post-school qualifications provide a way to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for the new field. This can help bridge the gap between your existing expertise and your desired career path.
8. Research and Innovation
Advanced degrees such as master’s and doctoral degrees foster research and innovation. They provide opportunities to contribute to the expansion of knowledge in your field and potentially make meaningful contributions to society.
9. Contribution to Society
A workforce with diverse post-school qualifications contributes to the overall progress and development of a society. It leads to advancements in technology, healthcare, education, and other sectors.
In essence, post-school qualifications play an essential role in shaping your career trajectory, personal growth, and the advancement of society as a whole.
Examples of Post School Qualification
These qualifications are typically divided into different categories, such as:
1. Higher Education Degrees
These include Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees conferred by universities and colleges. They offer in-depth academic and theoretical knowledge in specific fields.
2. Bachelor’s Degree
This is a four-year undergraduate degree awarded by universities and colleges. Examples include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.).
3. Master’s Degree
This is an advanced degree that typically requires one to two years of study after completing a bachelor’s degree. Examples include Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Arts (M.A.).
4. Doctoral Degree (Ph.d.)
This is the highest academic qualification, requiring several years of original research and a dissertation. Examples include Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), etc.
5. Vocational Education And Training (Vet) Qualifications
These qualifications provide practical skills and knowledge for specific careers. Upon successful completion, diplomas and certificates are awarded in different fields such as plumbing, culinary arts, and automotive mechanics, etc.
6. Professional Certifications
These qualifications are granted by professional bodies to signify expertise in a particular industry or field. Examples include project management certifications, IT certifications, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
7. Trade Certifications
Not everyone must end up in tertiary institutions after high school. Some people choose the path of business, requiring them to learn a trade. Trade certifications are specialized qualifications that demonstrate expertise in a specific trade, such as carpentry, and plumbing, etc. They often involve a combination of practical training and apprenticeships.
8. Online and Short Courses
Many institutions and platforms offer online courses and short workshops that provide targeted knowledge in various subjects and upon successful completion of courses certificates are issued. These can range from programming languages to creative writing. A lot of students who dropped out of school after Grade 9 or Matric, tend to choose this pathway over enrolling in traditional Universities.
9. Continuing Education
Continuing education is another category of post school qualification. Here, individuals can pursue post-school qualifications to keep up with the advancements in their fields or to transition into new careers. This can include seminars, workshops, seminars, and courses aimed at updating skills.
10. Language Proficiency Certificates
Certifications that demonstrate proficiency in languages other than one’s native language, such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Conclusion
The pursuit of post-school qualifications can lead to numerous benefits, including improved job prospects, higher earning potential, personal growth, and the acquisition of specialized skills that align with specific career goals. The world of post-school qualifications is vast and diverse, offering options to cater to a wide range of interests and career goals. Hence, these are common examples out of many options.
It’s important to consider individual interests, career aspirations, and the demands of the job market when choosing the most suitable post-school qualification to pursue.
References
[1] “Experience.” Arcgis.com, https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7701309b6f6f4431831345f9c155b832/page/—————–Post-School-Qualification-Field-of-Study/.
[2] “Redirect Notice.” Google.com, https://www.google.com/url?
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