An education expert has suggested vocational training such as plumbing courses may be set for increased popularity next year.
Craig Abrahart, operating director at notgoingtouni.co.uk, highlighted how 150,000 students were not able to secure a place at university to study for a degree and they may decide to opt for an apprenticeship or foundation qualification instead.
In his opinion, the competition for vocational training - such as plumbing courses - will be even fiercer in 2011 than this year because everyone will want to beat the upcoming tuition fee rise.
Mr Abrahart made his comments in response to the news that McDonalds has launched a foundation degree in managing business operations after working alongside Manchester Metropolitan University.
He said he is fully supportive of such "alternative routes" and reserved particular praise for the vocational experience students can gain while studying for a recognised qualification.
The McDonalds foundation degree is just one of several courses the global eatery brand has developed in the past five years.
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