With university tuition fees spiral-ling upwards, many potential future job seekers are wondering whether a vocational qualification rather than a degree would give them a better chance of getting a job. Well, according to a report commissioned by ministers and by delivered by education expert Professor Alison Wolf, the answer’s not necessarily.

Her report has given a damning insight into the vocational training market, saying that hundreds of thousands of young people are being given “perverse incentives” to take course after course that may not actually help them to find work once they leave the education system. She accuses many qualifications of being “low level…most of which have little or no labour market value”.

The Wolf report calls for more high quality apprenticeships and that employers should be part-subsidised to offer these positions to entry-level candidates.

While at first glance this may seem relevant only to younger job seekers, many older potential employees who do not have degree qualifications are often told that a vocational qualification may improve their chances to find long-term work. However, it seems that it all depends on what vocational qualification you choose. Vocational qualifications cover a broad spectrum of subjects ranging from IT and construction skills through to hospitality and catering and while debate continues over the value of these courses, the concern is that they do not deliver the level of training that potential employers are looking for in new recruits.

If job seekers are to improve their chances of finding work in an increasingly competitive market, they need to be offered a viable alternative to expensive degrees – an alternative that provides adequate skills training to make them attractive to potential employees and recruitment agencies. The problem is which course is the right course? Vocational training bodies such as Btec, City and Guilds and OCR Nationals have welcomed the report and have said that they will work closely with the government to ensure they deliver training of value to young and older students alike. But with so many candidates to choose from employers will be taking a much closer look at the ‘qualifications’ section of every candidate’s CV in the future.

Becoming employed can seem like a daunting prospect for many people; from teenagers starting out in their first waitressing job, or experienced individuals getting back into the game via engineering jobs. However there are so many benefits to having paid work that it really is an opportunity not to be missed.

Firstly (and perhaps most obviously) you will earn money - hard cash, straight into your back account each fortnight or month. This will help to pay the range of bills we 21st century people have to live with; for mobile phones, electricity and gas, rent or mortgage, cars, food etc.

Also, you may reap some additional benefits; such as free or part-paid-for healthcare, a company car, dental care, paid vacation and bonuses. You could also receive childcare, if you have kids.

Secondly, you’ll gain massive amounts of experience, and not just for the specific role. Aside from any specialist skills, most employers look for the same things. They seek punctual, loyal and reliable employees who can demonstrate commitment, a strong working ethic and decent morals.

Most employers look for a person who will take on a job and stick with it, until it’s done, and one who works well with other people; integrating themselves into a company without the need for much hand-holding. It is these types of interpersonal skills you can learn, simply by working in almost any role.

Thirdly, you will experience increased confidence and self-esteem by working. You will learn how to interact effectively with people of all ages, backgrounds and personalities. You may ultimately feel happier in your own skin, knowing there is something you are really good at, and be relied upon to do well.

Lastly, once you’ve tackled your first position, finding and excelling in the next one won’t be as difficult - effectively setting you up for life in a range of Engineering Jobs.

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