Ülekoolitamist

Ülekoolitamist is a term used in Estonian discourse to describe a mismatch between the level of formal education possessed by workers and the requirements of their current occupation, commonly translated as over-education. The concept covers situations where individuals have attained a higher educational qualification than what is typically needed for their job, or when occupations mainly demand lower credentials. It is related to the broader labor-market phenomenon of credential inflation.

In research, ülekoolitamist is often measured by the share of employees whose highest completed education exceeds the level required by their job, or by the mismatch between field of study and occupation. The phenomenon arises from several factors, including rapid growth in tertiary education, signaling value of degrees to employers, imperfect job matching, and limited vertical mobility within some sectors.

The implications of ülekoolitamist are mixed. Some studies find that overeducated workers experience slower wage growth and lower job satisfaction, while others note potential productivity gains or longer-term benefits in dynamic economies or for broader career flexibility. The topic is often discussed in relation to underemployment and the efficiency of education systems.

Policy discussions around ülekoolitamist focus on better alignment between education and labor-market needs, including the expansion of vocational training and apprenticeships, recognition of non-formal skills, and improved career guidance to help individuals choose fields with stronger labor-market matches. Critics warn about measurement challenges and the risk of stigmatizing highly educated individuals, while proponents argue that overeducation reflects evolving economies and the value of adaptable, transferable skills.