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Edge - University price not right for parents

www.edge.co.uk

14 June 2011

University price not right for parents

The research, commissioned by independent education foundation Edge as part of its campaign to raise the status of vocational education, identifies that over half of middle income parents (51 per cent) can no longer afford to send their child to university with 31 per cent claiming it simply isn't worth the investment.

And it's not just because the fees mean it no longer adds up. Nearly three fifths (57 per cent) believe a university education is less valuable than it was 10 years ago with 47 per cent claiming degrees no longer give you a head start in working life.

Considering alternative options for their child, more than a third of parents (37 per cent) admit they used to want their offspring to go to university but now don't think it's the best option.

Recognising the benefit of a skills-led education route instead, 38 per cent claim they believe their son or daughter may have a better chance of success with a vocational qualification.

According to the findings unveiled in advance of the annual VQ Day celebration of vocational qualifications, three fifths say the more hands on experience is valuable, while 48 per cent reference the fact it means they would possess the real skills desired by employers.

And sharing the Government's view that employment opportunities shouldn't be down to who your parents know, 38 per cent of parents think the employer contacts their children would get by going down the vocational route would be invaluable.

Their concerns about their child's future go beyond what education route they believe they should go down though. Many parents (83 per cent) are worried about their child's chances of future employment and 82 per cent about their ability to earn a living wage.

VQ Day, which will take place on Wednesday 22 June, is led by Edge, the independent education foundation, in conjunction with the vocational qualifications community. Now in its fourth year, it is a national celebration of vocational qualifications for students, teachers and employers and recognises the talented and skilled people in the UK who are awarded VQs.

Lord Baker, Chairman of Edge said: "For too long, middle income parents have been blinkered to the alternative education options to university for their child. The vocational route provides something incredibly valuable to a young person because it equips them with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. It's great that parents are starting to recognise the value of a vocational education and we are looking forward to VQ Day and to taking stock of the outstanding achievements of our vocational learners."