Good-Person
Captain Junkie
Yes, skills plays a major role more than the degree you're carrying. But the degree is useful indeed during promotions. If you don't have degree and higher cert you won't climb higher when you secure white collar job.
There are many people in my country who do not have degrees, yet they hold high position due to the fact that they have a good experience. Job experience play a crucial role in my country, even more than degree.