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Barry, I agree far too many have gone to university in the past. But those that are still not fit for university but can afford it will still go, where those that are suitable but from poorer backgrounds will not. Unless of course people who are rich are naturally more academic, which we know isn't true, Prince Charles being living proof.
Apprenticeships are wonderful, but as Tom rightly points out this is 'work experience'. This is still good news but we must make clear, we are not giving young people new skill sets, just good work experience. Barry you talk of you sons and I seem to remember you mentioning one of them training in Electrical Engineering at Megger. This IS an apprenticeship, good luck to them. They will obviously do well because of the conscientious parenting that you have given them.
My Mum, who has worked in retail, cleaning, as a hairdresser's receptionist and a dinner lady (as she still is) will tell you no 'apprenticeship' is required. She has of course been outstanding at all of them, as she is an outstanding woman, but is under no illusion that vast amounts of training is required. She often recalls having to use a phone for her first job, something she had never done before. My grandad going to one phone box and her to another to practise. ( under our current government this would be called an apprenticeship). My mum will also tell of useless lazy youngsters that come to work with her, a cultural problem we have!
My Dad did do an apprenticeship, as a panel beater. A dying art now, this actually gave him skills that were transferable, as does (should) further education. This is what we want and university places and apprenticeships should be given to those most suited not those with money. We need cleaners, people working in retail and receptionists but paying them £2.50 and saying it is an apprenticeship is patronising, my mum will tell you that and she hasn't got a paper qualification to her name.
Yes it is true Paul, graduates do earn more money on average, but then to think Doctors, Engineers, Architects, Lawyers and many other professionals have to have degrees, it is obviously the case. I would like to live in a country where these professions are filled with the best, not just the privileged.
Barry, I'm not sure where I wrote that 'worthwhile' jobs are the result of university. I will stand by the fact (Roger's point) that higher paid jobs ARE the result of further education. I think that it is your confusion that 'worthwhile' equates to 'highly paid'.