Is It Worth Going To University Anymore?

[@bailezzey]

I'm 26 & buying my first property on my own right now. I didn't go to uni & worked from the age of 17. I've been able to save, upgrade my income & live a reasonably lavish lifestyle without debt. For me, university was never an option. Debt, waste of time & no real benefit from a degree. Now I'm a qualified engineer at a Pharmaceutical company through work experience & apprenticeships. To any young people or parents with children, the working world is the best option in my opinion, but you must be willing to work. I've worked many long hours at awful times but it was all worth it.

[@hawks5196]

I can mirror that. Graduates started off 3 - 4 years behind me. I had an apprenticeship, 4 years experience and had a totally different work ethic to graduates. I’m now a managing director of an engineering firm! It’s all about how much effort you put into the job, not what grade you get at a uni

[@bailezzey]

@ well said

[@robertdagge200]

Let's be honest - going into a job straight from school can be really boring. You end up married at 23 to someone you met drunk in a nightclub, divorced at 30, and then your life is over. Contrary to what people think, being a seemingly idiot student for 4 years can give your maturity a chance to grow.

[@theolddog5129]

It appears that you have just described @ProfoundFamiliarity. He commented "At uni, I mostly drank beer, ate pizza and played pool for three years. Although I did study too and I got my degree. It was cheaper than it is now. I do feel lucky that I had that experience." Perhaps we should send love to his wife that he met.....😀😀😀

[@mangadud]

I went to uni before I started working straight after college then dropped out, worked for 9 years and went back. Id argue that actually going after I had worked and matured a lot by working in some shitty jobs was better. Now I really value education and I picked a better course this time.

[@DeeFibbs]

My degree in Dance was worth it, I can walz down to the Job centre in double quick time.

[@PakistanIcecream000]

lol

[@philipjamesparsons]

I graduated in 1999, had all fees paid for and I was given a government grant to attend. I worked in the field I studied in and found it boring. So, by 25, I switched to a different career path. I used my boring job savings to pay 50k for training in my new career, which proved well worth it. This is pretty normal and very few teenagers know what they want to do career wise. So, 18 is a terrible age to sign up for a binding long term financial millstone. If you don’t like a trade, it is still possible to pursue a degree later on.

[@stephfoxwell4620]

Student loans are not debt. They are an additional tax above a certain level for 30 years.

[@WillyJunior]

What did you retrain into?

[@philipjamesparsons]

​​​​@@WillyJunior I retrained as a pilot. This was my childhood dream. I could tell you my life story but.....Anyway, I do fly with relatively young 25-30ish people. One common theme is many have opted not to do a degree. One gal told me she did her degree home study for 10k during COVID. Flying does not require a degree but training is 75k+. Pay varies with company but the 25-30 years olds I mentioned are probably on 80-100k and that will rise. 200k, is about top pay where I work. Remember, this is not a "graduate" job but is still well paid. For those interested, Professional Pilots Job Network is useful to see who pays what.

[@mangadud]

I'm a mature student that has returned to uni after dropping out 10 years ago. I love being a student and glad I went back after working horrible jobs that were wrecking my health.

[@mikerophone324]

Anecdotally, the graduate starting salary vs min wage premium coming in at 30% seems high, especially outside of London. At least here, a lot of graduate starting salaries are minimum wage.

[@hughjohns9110]

Probably because they are starting in jobs not requiring a degree.

[@JLCC2022]

We are in the age when knowledge is no longer power and further studying is no longer worth it. Sadly speaking, when a country no longer rewards academia financially, who is going to do M.Phil or PhD. This could lead to an overall decline in research and innovation. If people in a country only think about getting a job early for money, this country is pretty hopeless. Sadly, this is the UK.

[@hughjohns9110]

Not really true. Academia is rewarded in jobs where a degree (minimum) is needed. In all other jobs done by graduates, it is not. As for your last point, you're looking at it wrongly. You should only be going to Uni if you want a career that requires a degree. If not you should be out working and earning, preferably from the age of 16.

[@quadq6598]

Yep, Blair ruined UNI as well as the entire country. Uni should be for exceptional only & free

[@gillscorner794]

My Son got a job at 18, saved £60k in 4 years left, and is now studying for his degree. The 4 years working gave him time to be sure what he wanted to do and he has a house deposit in the bank. His results are way better (on course for 1st class honours) than those of his fellow 18 year old students who dont really know why they're there and never turn up to lectures. Crazy thing is he had to appeal to get a place as a mature student!

[@DH-tv2yw]

A good education/ academic success is like a ladder in the game of snakes and ladders. It helps you up the board, but it's not the only way around the board. I studied engineering at a Russell group university and have done well out of it, becoming a Chartered Engineer. I also met my wife at uni. But that isn't everyones experience, and I had to move to London for my career, which is difficult for many. I do also think leaving home at 18 is good for you. The old saying that national service turned boys into men is probably true, although it doesn't have to be national service; going to uni or going traveling does equally broaden your horizons, which is important for an 18 year old.

[@SputnikRX]

Having degree quotas may help. To some extent we as a society do benefit from arts and humanities, but there are very few positions and they are competitive. Limit the number of people allowed into certain programs to ensure only the best will get in

[@TheGoodUn5]

It's just simple simple economics of supply and demand. There are around 20,000 psychology grads every year compared to what 3000 odd electricians? How much does your average sparky charge? If there's a lot of something, the demand (no of jobs, salaries, progression) decreases. No one says this in sixth forms these days.

[@Peepsuk1234]

It’s interesting that many study psychology yet we struggle to get enough of them to train as mental health nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and other professions needed in mental health trusts. It’s incredibly challenging (yet rewarding) work. I’ve had to blow many a graduates bubble by advising them to start as a Band 2 or 3 support worker to gain more experience before they even consider clinical psychology or other professional courses.

[@MorningtonCrescent]

I teach at a Russell Group. I would NOT advise 18 year olds to go to university. It's a simple value exchange, hindered by the simple volume of students and resultant value. I advise young adults to get practical technical skills that are more future-proof, even if the income is low (sub £25k). If they want to go to university, then fine, though much later when more mature and more appreciative of the VALUE of their fees, and thus being more committed, reducing drop-out rates. To paraphrase the property market: vocation, vocation, vocation!! Practical, tangible skills mixed with real life experience and core organisation skills (even basics such as punctuality) are paramount. To risk sounding controversial, generic standards in academia are declining, from anecdotal experience only. LoadsAMoney was right all along, all those years ago!

[@theolddog5129]

May we ask what it is that you teach - cookery and the art of apple grading perhaps?😀😀😀

[@theant9821]

I would recommend getting an apprenticeship as soon as possible after leaving school. Worked for me, save for a deposit and bought a house at 23 years old (8 years ago), and a mate of mine at work, his 24 year old son has just done the same this year.

[@megapangolin1093]

Before Blair got everyone believing that you needed a degree to empty the bins there was an excellent vocational path through technical colleges (remember those?). It allowed people to choose their option and many, even though uni education was free, chose vocational qualifications. These ended up being the backbone of our manual labour, arts and science sectors. When recruiting, if you wanted someone who worked hard and had initiative, you went for non graduates, if you wanted someone who believed they didn't need to work hard but were bright then you hired graduates. I liked a team with both, the combination was the best of all worlds. Very good video.

[@theolddog5129]

The technical paths still exist - same types of courses as in the 1980s and 1990s but now more often delivered by what are known as sixth-form colleges and in some case universities. They are known as BTECs. They are excellent but not a replacement for university-level degree education in the more analytical of subjects. Having practiced as a design engineer for 40ish years, I deliver modules on such courses as a volunteer. It keeps the brain active!

[@hughjohns9110]

Spot on, and that was exactly the path I took. As I've got older my younger colleagues have been aghast when they find out I don't have an honours degree.

[@mandycharva563]

Apprenticeships are the way (from experience)

[@theolddog5129]

Not really. Apprenticeships have a very useful role to play, but cannot replace formal university level education for roles that require in-depth analysis, design and general intellectual capability. An apprenticeship is perfect for developing skills in manufacturing, services e.g. plumbing/bricklaying/boiler srevicing, but not at all suitable for someone who aspires to work on say air or space vehicle design. You cannot teach someone finite elemental analysis in an apprenticeship!

[@mandycharva563]

@@theolddog5129it depends mate, i started in non destructive testing as an apprentice after college and they train you on the job as well as job specific qualifications. Its worked out quite well for me started out in radiography now doing advanced ultrasonics (PAUT).

[@mandycharva563]

@@theolddog5129depends what apprenticeship your on mate because theres advanced ones. I started as an apprentice in non destructive testing, they put you through courses and lots of on site training. Now I’m doing radiography and advanced ultrasonics (PAUT) so it can be done

[@theant9821]

​@@theolddog5129we are talking about the route to owning a home and living comfortably not a route into a specific specialist job that you may not even get even with all the qualifications. Apprenticeships, i left school at 15 in 2009, had my own house at 23, now live quite well with a car and 2 motorbikes at 31 and look set to have my mortgage paid off by 40.

[@Alex-pr6zv]

The company I work for makes no distinction between applicants with a technical Bachelor degree (4-5 years of study) and applicants with appropriate work experience and advanced technican qualifications (3 years of training + 2 years of study). In fact, they prefer the latter as their knowledge is based on hands-on practical experience.

[@-_-11k52]

Great post ❤

[@jbreckmckye]

Be wary of advising kids to go into the trades. Apprenticeships are hard to get, and the job ruins your body. You won't meet many bricklayers in their 50s because it just destroys you

[@goodsir7298]

This is underrated and depending on country you may also have to pay for gas, tools, recieved minimum wage and travel hours a day out of pocket. You are also expected to pay for schooling so for the first 2-3 years it is rough.

[@James-pyon]

Sitting at a desk all day linked to cancer

[@ABombs1]

Yeah as somebody in a career of his degree and 3 herniated discs at 34 years old, ruining the rest of my life, I wish I'd taken a more active career path than a pencil pusher

[@economicshelp]

Inactivity is also health risk, but agree physical labour has it's downsides (I worked as gardener for 12 months after getting PPE degree.) cold and hard work (and only £4.50 an hour) at my college LMH too.

[@davejl79]

Inactivity is a killer too, but working from an office/home doesn't mean you have to be sat all day. Break it up with exercise, frequently standing, standing desk etc.

[@nothereandthereanywhere]

£1500 for a gutter? It's better to buy a ladder that reaches the gutter(£600) and then buy the parts yourself - it will be cheaper and you have got ladder to use in the future, once needed.

[@economicshelp]

I did get a ladder, but felt so unsteady at top, I didn't want to risk it. That's another downside of some trades btw.

[@mrmeldrew693]

My advanced basket weaving course has really set me up to ask people if they would like to make their meals XL.

[@stephfoxwell4620]

Masters is the new Degree. Bachelor's is the new A levels. No more than 20% need to go to University. And overseas students should be capped at 25% per institution.

[@theolddog5129]

Would it be safe to assume that you do not have a degree and perhaps A-levels? 😀😀😀

[@PakistanIcecream000]

Great video, thanks. Enjoyed listening to your lecture.

[@kubam3193]

There is one thing which discussions of university always miss out and that is that not every single one of your decisions can be boiled down to 'does this immediately impact the economy positively' - i went to uni, loved it, now work with people without degrees and dont mind. If you're going to uni because you think its necessary for a good career then yh you're wrong, but you could also go to uni to for example, and i know its crazy but just hear me out: maybe learn something? Engage with difficult ideas? Spend a few years actually learning about a topic you are passionate about before settling down to a 9 to 5? I actually engaged with my subject and it changed my thoughts on many topics and this has impacted my life quality in a way that you cant just boil down to how much more or less i earn to someone who was working full time since they were 18.

[@ProfoundFamiliarity]

At uni, I mostly drank beer, ate pizza and played pool for three years. Although I did study too and I got my degree. It was cheaper than it is now. I do feel lucky that I had that experience.

[@Daytona2]

As an intelligent person and after 13 wasted years of a bad academic experience, I got a 1 year scholarship from the National Computer Centre, had a career as a programmer and semi retired age 34. It is about time that we had this conversation, Tejvan, given your teaching position. What is the point of an academic education over vocational ? and how many people would significantly benefit from each ? Why isn't testing used to find out what work roles suit students ? My thoughts - It's unethical, that someone who didn't go to university is saddled with the unpaid debts of people who have, through the tax system. Student loans should be a lifetime, interest bearing, obligation, and if still outstanding at death, repayable out of the estate. Organisations do not create sufficient numbers of roles suited to graduates. Supply needs to be changed to meet demand plus ~10%. Are people likely to know what suits them before mental maturity ~25yo +/-5 ? Shouldn't education be more about the whole person, exposing them to different situations to find out what they're good and bad at and what they like & dislike ?

[@loc4725]

Originally the people who went to University ended up as much more productive workers and so paid much more in taxes. So the argument that they should then pay even more tax, and do so over their lifetime is neither fair nor addresses the problem. I went to University (Greenwich, Computer Science) after first working in industry and I can say the quality of some of the other students as well as the 'quality' of the course left me speechless. They seemed to be taking on a lot of unsuitable students and even if they were actually good they were undermining them with terrible, disjointed and frankly disgracefully run courses. This made me realise why so many students have problems after going to University: it's a quantity over quality problem and IMO some of those institutions need to be shut down. They're a massive waste of time, money and perhaps most importantly of all, opportunity.

[@NckBrktt]

University didn't hinder Rishi's job and wage prospects. Mr Blair suffered from not being a clairvoyant. University looked a good idea in 1999 maybe. The problem again is politics. If the Tories saw an issue they wouldn't want to point it out or do anything about it in case they lost votes. I was the first in the family to go to Uni back in the 1970's. My brother trained at a college for manual skilled work in the motor industry. He earned much more than me, and owned his own house by the time he was 35, but unfortunately by 60 he had to retire due to ill health and died early due to decades of hard physical work in poor environmental conditions.

[@andresilva5547]

I would say that if someone aims to study engineering, maths, medicine, law or economics (in a lesser degree), then I would say yes, if you are keen to learn and understand it. Everything else dont bother. I graduated in Financial Economics, and I got a decent job in banking, but if it was today I probably would ve become a plumber.

[@Ben-jq5oo]

Agree absolutely. I did BA English and History..🙄 Then trained as a nurse where I worked until 55. What could I have done with my degree apart from teach? I would have been eaten on the first day! A classic case of going to uni because I could and felt I should…

[@2ru2pacFan]

You're right, being an electrician would be amazing for young people. They're always needed and it's something that AI cannot replace.

[@thenon-stopdad601]

I've been a window cleaner for 17 years. Earning potential between £80 - £100 an hour.

[@MorningtonCrescent]

Granville!! Fetch yer cloth!

[@RabJ208]

What are you using to clean the windows? A dash of fairy liquid?

[@andrewtaylor6737]

Bloody hell, I've been window cleaning for over 30 years & earn half of those figures. Maybe I need to move from Dorset & somewhere even more affluent, lol

[@simonfunwithtrains1572]

I did a City and Guld in radio and Television engineering in the 1970 and then later moved on to study Computer Science and programming at evening classes in the 1980's I had a very well paid work right up until I retired with a good pension pot at the age of 60. At that time (1960's) very few of the pupils at my school where expecting to go to university, only the very best students had this as an option, so the rest of use where directed toward the trades or unskilled work. My generation are not todays parents so they have a deferent ambition for their children, getting a good trade was what our parents had in mind for us.

[@kellywalker4494]

Depends what you study. If it’s medicine, or law, it’s worth it, most other courses are pointless.

[@Ste-The-Leo]

I didn't cope well in education despite being a bright individual. I skipped college and didn't go to University. I spent years in dead end jobs.... Now in my 30s, I decided to set up my own business and work for myself... In year two I was able to pay myself 50K, and this next tax year that will be higher. If you're smart, you may as well set up your own business and get earning enough to pay your mortgage, instead of working for somebody else and paying off theirs.

[@SuperibyP]

This seems rough for those jobs that require a specific degree, such as medic, pharmacist etc. Especially given public sector wages are basically the same now in real terms as they were in '10, according to the IFS

[@joemacdougall9205]

I got an EE engineering degree this year and things are going well but graduate salaries have definitely stagnated for sure. I’m doing well but not as well as I would have if I graduated 5/10/15 years ago. I guess the supply is finally catching up and the premium is closing as a result. Although importantly this job won’t wreck my physical health so I’ll be able to work longer than if I became a sparky. I’d probably be better off at this stage if I didn’t go to uni but I think further down the line it’ll pay off. Also as a Scottish student I actually stand a chance of paying mine off. I guess my advice would be do a STEM degree and be Scottish, property prices aren’t horrendous here either so I managed to get on the ladder by working through uni and more or less using my student loan as a deposit.

[@Milominderbender586]

A hard life in manual trades, no chance retiring probably in your 70s, look at the life expectancy for manual worker to that of a someone in graduate job. Difference in life expectancy between Executive and low skill manual in the region of 10 years according to some figures I have read. We do however penalise young people in this country, closing the door to Europe FOM reduces the opportunity for graduates disproportionately.

[@johntowers1213]

except that you can't function in a top heavy society like that where those trained for executive/managerial roles vastly out ways those those that still get their hands dirty for a living so to speak... all this does is saturate a relatively small employment segment of the workforce with 10's of thousands of individuals holding identical expensive credentials for roles that are already almost certainly taken. if you want to talk about studies how about the numerous mental heath studies that show highly educated unemployed young people currently have far worse mental health outcomes than those that sort out vocational careers instead of expensive degree's... Higher education leads to higher unemployment, resulting in substantial mental health issues. The research paper, published in The Lancet Public Health, is the first to provide evidence of higher levels of depression and anxiety among higher education youths compared to their peers. University is a place to gain accreditation in a field and when a market is over saturated with accredited individuals the accreditation itself loses its value..and the majority of those individuals are either left unemployed or forced to change fields from one they gained accreditation within...leaving them unsurprisingly in various degree's of poor mental health...

[@Milominderbender586]

@ yet we have an immigration system which now gives priority to higher educated from abroad to the detriment of our young people who have worked hard for the qualifications. There are significant ‘worker’ gap’s and employers are complaining that they can’t fill positions. My daughter a senior manager with engineering company has a number of vacancies she has been trying to fill at post graduate level for several months and we are in a relatively high unemployment area. The economy is seriously hampered by the need for high ability highly educated and adaptable employees.

[@mattmckeon1688]

The best strategy is to target jobs/careers with a scarcity premium, be that a certification or licence that protect against oversupply, or complexity of a non-academic sort. I would also advise any young person not to be dependent on an employer if they can work for themselves. It's harder work and less secure early on, but gets you out of playing the corporate ladder game.

[@mattmckeon1688]

20 years ago I would have said just be a chartered accountant and have your pick of thousands of jobs, but even then you probably can't afford to live in London or the Southeast But your job has to either be niche enough that people will pay you a premium, or generic and transferable enough that you can always move jobs to keep progressing.

[@EamonCoyle]

I did think it was interesting that the increased minimum wage now means there is very little difference between that and the average wage of the average graduate. That does make the idea of the student debt a bit of a waste of time !!

[@loc4725]

I think part of the problem is the quality of some British universities. I studied computing at Greenwich after first working in industry and can honestly say I consider doing that to be one of the big regrets of my life. To describe them as terrible would be a massive understatement.

[@theolddog5129]

That's not a real university!

[@anarki777]

I'd rather keep my degree. I might be better off financially if I had become a plumber (although I think I will probably overtake this alternative version of myself fairly soon), but I'd also be working in the cold and I wouldn't have the same capacity to think... I grew up in relative poverty and received a very substandard education at my comprehensive (which became an academy since I assume they were failing so hard and wanted to rebrand, or perhaps get away from gov. regulations). Going back to school and then eventually getting a degree changed my thinking processes and the way I viewed the world. I'd hate to be trapped in my old mindset, working a physically demanding job. I'm not sure I would even know what to do with the money I earned either if not for studying Economics and Finance.

[@thesudricmerman3318]

Can you do a video of why people with disabilities struggle to find work and how it could be fix

[@RabJ208]

Good idea 🙏👍

[@vvv3448]

11:31 into the video not sure where you got £40 an hour for a car mechanic, the going rate is £75 an hour plus VAT from garages I have called in the east and west midlands I gather it will be higher in te south where you are based

[@RabJ208]

Some mechanics are cheaper than others. The same applies to painters and other trades.

[@GrahamWoodward-ww1zf]

Student debt is designed by the system for young people to accept perpetual debt with other financial areas throughout their life.

[@IanWilliams25]

Very nice job covering the basics. I am sharing this not to brag but to show what’s possible. I’m retired and I have 2 separate portfolios. One is a long term growth dividend portfolio of stocks where i sell covered calls strategically and my 2nd portfolio is the Crypto trading strategy where its all about income. This year I am on pace to make $120K in realized options profits and around $869K in crypto profit... What is great is that my long-term portfolio is still up significantly as well. As such, it’s possible to generate excellent income but still have a total return perspective. ...Amidst this, the insights of a knowledgeable guide like that of Expert Evelyn Infurna can be crucial. Her expertise in navigating the nuances of trading has been the key for Me understanding and making the most of these emerging financial trends.

[@jeffbox1torres]

New survey has revealed rising adoption of cryptocurrency among the world billionaires, as they start experimenting in the digital currency, expanding their investments portfolio beyond traditional profitable assets.

[@DannielleRosales]

I heard her strategies are really good, How do I reach your Coach/mentor.

[@IanWilliams25]

Evelyn Infurna is the CFA I use and im just putting this out here because you asked. You can Just search the name. You’d find necessary details to work with to set up an appointment.

[@IanWilliams25]

CAN”T SHARE MUCH HERE SHE’S MOSTLY ON TELEGRAMS WITH HER NAME.

[@IanWilliams25]

Infurnaevely1 she’s verified

[@Crox-bd3pt]

Be careful which subjects you study. The economist ran an article over ten years ago, stating that over 90% who obtained a degree medicine went on to work in that field, were as most people who had a degree in art did not work in an art related profession. I had a job dealing with the unemployed and I had a lot of people with degrees in either media studies or Leisure and Tourism, to my knowledge none of those that did find work found it in these two fields.

[@RickDeckard6531]

A lot of plumbers, electricians, etc. went back to Poland (where university education is also free).

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Blair promised that then IMMEDIATELY cancelled non-repayable grants for all and introduced fees, which have increased incrementally. I graduated in Arabic and German in 1983 and used both by LUCK. These days I wouldn't be able to go to university and wouldn't have been living in the south of France for 35 years. 😢

[@patdbean]

6:05 so they have just created an over supply of graduates ?

[@johncooke61]

It's not what you know but who you know and has been for a very long time, getting your feet under the table with say a council job as a pen pusher would normally set someone up for life.

[@SarahWalker-Smith]

It very much depends on what you study , how applicable it is to the jobs you intend to apply for and how much those skills are needed by business. After completing a Masters degree in data science my son has just secured a job in the city earning just under 40k. If you can apply yourself to the right degrees and apply for the relevant jobs there are opportunities. The Mickey Mouse and sexy but useless over subscribed subjects are best avoided. Education should be free- it benefits the country not just the individual. But I think there should be more vocational degrees , training / apprenticeships providing the relevant skills that are required in the jobs market. It shouldn’t be beyond the will of man to tie these things together and give young people the best chance of well paid employment .

[@poornoodle9851]

Employers: You need a masters degree for this entry level position. Also employers: New graduates with masters degrees don’t know anything and need training to add value. Make it make sense…

[@ReconTHG]

Go for uni if lack of degree/unique knowledge stops you achieving your goals. Otherwise not the best option.

[@samf1500]

Going to university is only viable if there is a well paying job at the end of it that requires a degree… currently you leave uni with £50k of debt and will be paying 9% student tax on everything you earn over a low threshold… Student debt is now payable for 40 years after graduating… so most people will be paying their loan off into there 60s…. On top of that there isn’t enough well paying jobs any more to guarantee you’ll earn well after graduating! It just isn’t worth the debt, try and find a skilled career that pays you whilst you learn and covers the cost of the qualification

[@BallyBoy95]

As a fella who considers himself overeducated, it's a hard no from me. 💀

[@DoggleBird]

I'm in my late 60s and I saw this absurd rise in unnecessary higher education. It didn't used to work like this and it hasn't been a good thing. We could safely close half of out universities with no detriment to the country. Too many are doing Mickey Mouse degrees that lead to nothing worthwhile in terms of the degrees they gain. In my experience, many youngsters going to "uni" don't have the aptitude for higher education; they have a fun time there, but end up saddled with a huge debt and little in the way of career prospects. Let's have more apprenticeships, day release and evening courses and technical colleges. Then we can recruit more Brits and be less reliant on migrants.

[@stephfoxwell4620]

A quarter of Universities need to close and the rest need to downsize by a third.

[@rantingoldgit5125]

Its all about the people, university graduates in the 1070s were few, (5%) elite and selected; graduates from 2000 were many (50%) mediocre and recruited! Devalue the product and turn it into a commodity what do you expect? I don't see why you act all surprised....

[@davejl79]

It's definitely a product these days. One that's largely sold to foreign students looking for "world class" education for high fees.

[@hughjohns9110]

Two generations of our brightest young people have been totally conned by this policy of Blair's.

[@sparkymmilarky]

The problem is not that universities exist - the problem is that the majority of students are doing nonsense degrees that never relate to their future field. Do we need 10k+ phycology grads a year?

[@gillscorner794]

It's certainly a mad world, so Psychology is probably a good bet

[@nothereandthereanywhere]

@@gillscorner794 That is a good one :D

[@spumemonk11]

I never went to university but most of my employees did.

[@WillyJunior]

* mic drop *

[@waynecartwright-js8tw]

I'm an electrician for that sort of money i will commute from north worcs . Can't get my son to follow me into electrical. My daughter is at Uni doing dentistry.

[@gillscorner794]

Bar workers have seen a better increase in wages because they're all graduates

[@vonder7]

Im a software engineer and the job market is dead in the uk. There are 500 Cvs being sent for every position. The wages are lower than 10 years ago. A mixture of bad economy, outsourcing to countries with lower taxes and AI adoption. I feel bad for anyone who chose to study CS in the last few years and would advise against it. It’s not worth the effort, time and money. Especially in the uk where you have to pay for the uni. (In most European countries higher education is free)

[@adam7802]

Yes... It's horrendous isn't it. I'm only in it because this was always what I wanted to do.

[@GH-wc5sf]

Excess supply equals lower wages🤷‍♂️

[@ricf9592]

Here's why a degree is a waste of time and money. 1. Once, only about 2% of the population went to University. Back then, it didn't matter what subject was studied. Those who had a degree could pick and chose whatever they fancied without any question of their intelligence or common sense. They were very often 'clever idiots'. And they were your boss. And they earned loads more than you did. And that their education cost them nothing. What's to dislike about these lucky people? So, it was put to the masses that these monied slackers should at least pay for their good fortune (which was a vote winner) but not before Blair got involved. First, sell the idea that a degree was the answer to one's financial ambitions. Create a situation where you either had a degree or no degree. Once the numbers had developed, the payment was suggested. Future students were now terrorised into going for a qualification with questionable value and now had to pay for it. On top of that, it mattered not whether the student passed the exams, they still had to pay. The sums are ridiculous. The compounded interest is a scandal. All it does now is trap people in a circle of self imposed hardship. And it's not as if the Universities have all the information. It's all on the internet. Anyone can learn anything for free. Anyway, the connection between earning good money and good qualifications in tenuous at best. The real money is to be made from selling things to people that they want. It's easy. Really easy. Education is a system that teaches very little if anything at all that helps people exist in the real world.

[@theolddog5129]

"Education is a system that teaches very little if anything at all that helps people exist in the real world." Ah yes, the responsible parent in the school playground!

[@MintythecatIsABeast]

For the vast majority : NOPE - save your and your parents' money. Do not get bridled to life-long debt. Surprisingly many Graduates have not much to offer these days to the working world. A genuine lack of experience, projects and general awareness of the world in general and work puts most behind. It's better to work on things, develop contacts and see the world of work and people. Study should be on-going though, just don't parch it off to these "business Universities" who are out to swindle you. Also, best advice ever: leave the UK as soon as you can, it's a sinking ship.

[@silvafox7719]

Some jobs require a university degree. Nurses, social workers, dcotors etc.

[@economicshelp]

There was a time when you could be a nurse without a degree. My mother and sister (both nurses) not convinced a degree is essential.

[@silvafox7719]

@economicshelp Social work used to be a diploma. The course added exams and a couple of modules to make it a degree. The hoops we have to jump through, to get a piece of paper telling us we can do a job eh?

[@Sabadiver]

Ridiculous, to be a good nurse you need on the job training and maybe some classroom. Having to go to university is just plain stupid and a waste of everyone's time

[@theolddog5129]

@@economicshelp Yes but in those days it was OK to sew people up badly, accidently leave medical instuments inside patients and so on without the fear of a massive financial claim.

[@nothereandthereanywhere]

@@Sabadiver That depends. What was a nurse 30 years ago isn't a nurse today. Today's nurses have more responsibilities and they are often specialised. So it really depends.

[@Roro-tr5yz]

😂😂😂 i am still laughing on ( AI unblocking your toilet)

[@Nepetita69696]

No.

[@ReedoAce]

Is it worth going to school?

[@Jamal-Ahmed786]

These days degree is no longer seen as evidence of competence, employers are more concerned about work experience

[@theolddog5129]

Not for medicine, dentistry, engineering, computing etc. i.e. the subjects in which a degree adds real value.

[@Jamal-Ahmed786]

@theolddog5129 i agree, but I was talking in a broad sense. Even in these subjects that you mentioned, even though degree is essential, a degree is not always sufficient unless backed up with work experience.

[@theolddog5129]

@@Jamal-Ahmed786 Work experience is gained by working and the degree is normally essential in obtaining that relevant work experience!

[@user-pp9yk3tu4z]

As someone who just graduated with a first class STEM degree who can’t get a job - simple answer NOT WORTH

[@WillyJunior]

Is it that tough out there right now?

[@user-pp9yk3tu4z]

@ yepppp

[@Sabadiver]

​@@WillyJuniorapparently so looks dire

[@Powerof7even]

It's always the thing you didn't do isn't it.

[@DoubleOSeven007]

Do a BEng or a BSc or get a job! Don't do a BA unless Daddy is paying.

[@YaoAnne-j7g]

!I am at the beginning of my "investment journey", planning to put 385K into dividend stocks so that I will be making up to 30% annually in dividend returns. any good recommendation on great performing stocks or Crypto will be appreciated..

[@DerickSams]

As a newbie investor, it’s essential for you to have a mentor to keep you accountable. Ruth Ann Tsakonas is my trade analyst, she has guided me to identify key market trends, pinpointed strategic entry points, and provided risk assessments, ensuring my trades decisions align with market dynamics for optimal returns..

[@FederickLeo]

I managed to grow a nest egg of around 120k to over a Million. I'm especially grateful to Adviser Ruth Ann Tsakonas, for her expertise and exposure to different areas of the market.

[@DerickSams]

I don't really blame people who panic. Lack of information can be a big hurdle. I've been making more than $200k passively by just investing through an advisor, and I don't have to do much work. Inflation or no inflation, my finances remain secure. So I really don't blame people who panic.

[@FederickLeo]

Without a doubt! Ruth Ann Tsakonas is a trader who goes above and beyond. she has an exceptional skill for analysing market movements and spotting profitable opportunities. Her strategies are meticulously crafted on thorough research and years of practical experience..

[@YaoAnne-j7g]

how would you recommend i enter the crypto market? I am also looking at studying some traders and copying their strategy rather than investing myself and losing money emotionally. What's your take on this approach? and How can i reach her, if you don't mind me asking??

[@zulu3621]

University makes working class people poorer in general but it still makes middle class students better off and higher paid. I have two children both have degrees, both working full time in jobs under £22k a year but there middle class colleagues have better jobs because they have connection in companies through there family and friends.

[@stephfoxwell4620]

I was working class. Dad ran a pub. First in my family to go to University. I got a professional job and earned four times as much as Dad ever did.

[@dan44zzt231]

Knowing the right people to get your foot in the door is just a fact of life, doesn't diminish the value of a degree. The reality is most entry level jobs are badly paid but at least you're on the ladder. It was probably 6 years post-grad before I started earning well.

[@zulu3621]

@@stephfoxwell4620 lucky you, but that doesn’t happen for the majority of working class people,

[@stephfoxwell4620]

@zulu3621 Just takes a bit more determination. I worked through every summer holiday.

[@zulu3621]

@ I wouldn’t agree it was a fact of life, I’d say that’s morally wrong to take advantage of a situation at the detriment of others, let’s say an unfair advantage.

[@1292liam]

great video, although I worry your spending too much, having your gutters unblocked ! ;)

[@karolnowosad9765]

Whatever whoever say about uni - go and dont hesitate! only people without higher education deny having it and they suffer. Suffer a lot

[@theolddog5129]

I agree wholeheartedly. It's not about the certificate, more about development as a mature indivudial with transferable skills.

[@firmbutton6485]

It’s disappointing that because of your socialist bent you have written off the fact that the national minimum wage increasing well above the inflation rate is a large issue here.

[@sky37blue]

Why do tradesmen think they deserve brain surgeon wages these days?

[@economicshelp]

an economist would say supply and demand

[@FrankLloydTeh]

He is talking about oversupply of graduates and undersupply of tradesman... which does mean that tradesman can command a large salary than graduates. It's not a matter of believing they deserve the salary. It's a matter of "you have no choice because there aren't many of us" so their services go to the highest bidder. Let's stretch your example. If a society produces 1000 brain surgeons but only 5 elevator mechanics... who do you think can negotiate higher pay?

[@theolddog5129]

@@FrankLloydTeh The best tradesmen in my experience are those who have transitioned to the job from more professional sectors such as IT or teaching.

[@jbreckmckye]

Tradesmen are always in short supply. Partly because training / apprenticeships are constrained. It also "helps" that the job knackers your body out after your thirties. So there aren't tons of 40, 50 something bricklayers ready to compete for labour.

[@GeorginaJett]

I disagree, strongly... there's an over supply of tradesmen also... they are 10 a penny - plus one can now KZbin so many trade jobs, there's a rise in diy. There's an oversupply of PEOPLE - and not enough resources.

[@paulbarker6743]

Medical degrees yes. Everything else no.

[@theolddog5129]

Well, having worked most of my life as an expert is digital signal analaysis, processing and associated algorithmic processing architectures, I find myself unable to relate to your comment.

[@paulbarker6743]

@theolddog5129 You edited and still made mistakes. So what can I say about your education? 🤣

[@theolddog5129]

@@paulbarker6743 That my education has trained me in a critical lifeskill - to focus on that which is important! 😁😁😁😁