Saturday, January 02, 2010

Why higher education?

We are constantly told of the needs for 'a highly educated workforce'. Well - why, precisely?
A friend pointed out yesterday how in manufacturing so many jobs of degree standard requirements have simply disappeared but there is a need for forklift truck drivers!
To this you can add basic data entry jobs.
In 1970 when I went to university, only 5% of the population did so and were the crème de la crème. In those heady days, the study of a purely academic subject was a guarantee of future employment. Today, the dilution in standards means that only academia beckons and then only for the very best.

With an absurd 43% now going to university - where are the jobs? It means that there is a downward pressure so that degrees are now required for jobs which once required 'O' levels.
This leads to frustration, debt and destroyed ambitions.
As a Careers Master, my advice is no longer what it was 20 years ago. I now say "If you love your subject and will feel unfulfilled without it; if you must have a degree for a specific profession - then fine. In all other circumstances - do NOT go to university 'to improve prospects." It doesn't work and particularly if you have been silly enough to have chosen a Mickey Mouse degree course which lacks any currency at all in the market place.
I know a PHYSICS graduate who was totally unable to get work so what chance do you have with Media Studies?
There is always teaching of course, but I only recommend that to personal enemies!
My general advice would be to take 'A' Levels or equivalent and look for work at that point. In so many areas you will outdo the graduate.
AND, all of this against a background of falling IQ levels.

Perception?