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This paper provides an analysis of trends in post-school qualifications including multiple qualifications, non-completion rates, whether there is under or over-investment in post-school qualifications, future needs for post-school qualifications and the policy implications. Where possible, the analysis is by industry and occupation. Although the preferred focus is on New South Wales, most of the readily available data are Australian. The paper is principally a survey paper that draws on an extensive literature on the topics especially over the last decade or so. However, there is little consensus in the literature and the paper draws its own conclusions on the issues. The paper: clarifies some terminology and conceptual issues; provides some data on recent trends in post-school qualifications; briefly discusses multiple qualifications and non-completion rates; discusses the extent to which the current level of post-school qualifications can be viewed as optimal - this is discussed most often in terms of whether the workforce has too few or too many post-school qualifications, however the kinds of qualifications are also important; describes some forecasts for post-school qualifications and related issues; and discusses policy issues. The brief final section outlines the main conclusions.

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