Vocational skills grow in popularity

The majority of those aged between 16 and 24 see vocational skills as being of more use than academic training, according to a new survey.

Almost two-thirds (61 per cent) of respondents to the survey carried out by the skills festival Skillcity 2005, said it was better to get good quality vocational skills rather than a traditional academic degree.

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Availability is one of the driving forces behind the popularity of vocational training, with the possibility of building debts while at University being another factor, according to the survey.

George Russell, chairman of the Skillcity advisory board, said: “Not only do they offer good long-term employment prospects, but the skills deficit in the UK means there are plenty of opportunities among an incredibly diverse range of vocational careers.”