Vocational training – a credible alternative to university

By: Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader

Wednesday 22 August 2012

0 Comment

Despite the news that top A Level grades have fallen for the first time in 2 decades, August’s news has been filled with images of delighted A Level students, clutching their well-earned results with pride. But what does the future hold for these young people as they move on to the next chapter of their lives?

It seems that many of them are opting out of university and choosing an alternative path - university applications have dropped by 8.8%, representing 15,000 students who have taken a different route. It is thought that the drop is a direct result of the rise in tuition fees (the cost of a degree is set to increase to an average £8500 per year by 2013).

For the past decade, university has been the default route for many students. However as young people struggle to find jobs in the face of high unemployment, it raises the question: is university always the right choice?

Should we not also nurture the talents of those who don’t quite fit into the traditional academic structure? What is the best training for those who want to start their own business or learn a trade? Are Apprenticeships the answer?

Tags:

Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

Schools

Colleges

Training Providers

Employers

Learners

NCFE is a national Awarding Organisation

Join the debate