Does NCEA Matter to Employers?
When it comes to education, students often ponder the age-old question, does my qualification really matter to employers? For those in New Zealand, this question frequently centres on the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), something we’ve seen across our screens over the past week. While it's natural to focus on the qualification itself, the truth is that most employers care far more about the skills you gain during the process of earning it, the learning how to learn or learning how to set a goal and achieve it.
The Qualification vs. the Process
Employers do recognise formal qualifications like NCEA as a benchmark of academic achievement, but the true value lies in what’s learned along the way. High School education, whether under NCEA or another framework, teaches students more than just facts or technical skills. It’s in navigating assignments, exams, group projects, teamwork, communication and deadlines that students develop universally valuable, transferable skills. These competencies are what really capture an employer’s attention.
Let's break down some of these key skills:
1. Learning How to Learn
Mastering the ability to learn is one of the most critical outcomes of any education system. Through high school, students are exposed to new subjects and challenges, teaching them how to process information, adapt their thinking, and apply knowledge in various contexts. This skill isn’t just useful in academics, it’s vital in professions where continuous learning and upskilling are the norm. The road to AI is rapid and learning at pace will become more important over the coming years.
2. Managing Workloads
Balancing classes, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments can be demanding, especially as you are trying to navigate a developing teenage brain, however this is where students learn to prioritise, work efficiently, and use their time wisely. For employers, these abilities translate directly to workplace productivity and effective time management. They teach people how to communicate and ask for assistance should they need it.
3. Coping With the Unknown
Education often serves as a metaphorical "training ground" for navigating uncertainty. From facing unfamiliar exam questions to tackling complex projects in unfamiliar areas, to working with others, students are challenged to think critically and remain composed under pressure. This resilience and problem-solving capacity are assets in any workplace, where change and unpredictability are constant. It supports our employees to build confidence and muscle memory on how to manage through unknown situations.
4. Leading Through Stressful Situations
Group projects, sporting events, and leadership roles in clubs teach students how to motivate others and lead amidst stress. Employers value candidates who can demonstrate composure under pressure, readiness to take initiative, and a knack for resolving conflicts while keeping a team united.
5. Meeting Deadlines
Many high school assignments carry strict deadlines, mirroring the realities of the working world. Completing tasks on time, within a job description demonstrates to an employer that you have the discipline, organisation, and the accountability to add value to the workplace. These traits build trust and reliability, two qualities every employer seeks.
Why Employers Focus on Transferable Skills
When hiring, employers aren't just looking for an articulate resume, they’re searching for individuals who can grow, adapt, and contribute to their organisation. Whether you achieved success through NCEA or a completely different system, what matters is your ability to showcase the skills underpinning that achievement. Qualifications might get you through the door, but it's your mindset, work ethic, and adaptability that will make you stand out. The ability to learn and learn under pressure makes you a talented contributor in the workplace.
It’s About More Than NCEA
While NCEA is a respected credential, it’s important to remember that it’s one of many ways to demonstrate your readiness for the workforce. Similar educational frameworks around the world aim to develop the same foundational skills. Employers care less about the name of the qualification and more about how you apply what you’ve learned to solve real-world challenges.
Final Thoughts
For students navigating the world of change in our NCEA framework, it’s essential to shift the focus away from qualifications alone and consider the bigger picture. Employers value individuals who can learn, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to their teams. Whether it’s NCEA or an entirely different framework, the key lies in building and demonstrating transferable skills that prepare you for success. School is part of life preparation, work is the foundation for the life we wish to live. NCEA will hold little relevance by name, it is your ability to complete something that holds merit.