Difficult one this one, IMO this wasn't Blair initiated, this started with the upgrade of Polytechnics to Universities. No offence to those that studied at some fantastic establishments but it was a dumbing down. Simply gaining entry to University had been seen as an enormous achievement - certainly within my circles. It was undoubtedly heavily weighted in favour of Public and Grammar schools, I can say this by the fact that during my time at the comprehensive school I attended, not one person went to University, this cant have been right, especially when thinking that many of my peers have gone on to take positions ranging from Aeronautics and Astronautics physician at NASA to Directors in Local Govt. etc.
The problem that the UK is facing is more or less the same that Spain has faced for the past 20 years which for them, stemmed from the death of Generalissimo Franco. Up until his death, attending University was something for the very privileged few, it was only natural thereafter that parents who had not had the opportunity of a decent education would then do everything in their power to give their children that chance.
I, myself, son of Spanish parents, remember only too well that "my plan" at 13 was already to attend Southampton University to study law!! 13 years old!!
The "Golden Age" in Spain coincided of course with the development of Spain from Third World to European Power with an abundance of opportunities for this generation. However, it then became the norm for literally EVERYONE to go to University and as the courses were not free parents were doing everything within their power to get their children to go. Within my own family I have a cousin who took 11 years to complete a 5 year course - of what value could that degree have been?
What we can also see now is that the expectation levels have gone through the roof with these same graduates and the levels of talent and dedication have not risen exponentially - in fact I'd call most of them within my own experience as lazy and already looking for promotion and their rightful higher salary. Furthermore, not nearly dedicated, knowledgeable or productive as those that have risen through the ranks over years.
We have become fixated on titles, if we look at LinkedIn, nearly everyone has some kind of fancy title - myself included, why, not everyone can be a Manager or Head of something can they?
I know I always go on about how wonderful Denmark is but we could really learn from their society - when at a social gatherings with strangers it is extremely rare that anyone asks you what you do for a living, I'm one that is asked once in a while due to my Cockney Danish accent and when I tell them where I work, it immediately puts them off as the company I work for is held as some kind of elitist cult group - the probable total opposite of the "prestige" we would consider it to be in GB, US or Spain for ex.
As always the balance has to be a fine one between providing opportunity for all (and an understanding to what that means)and thereafter making that opportunity worthwhile and other professions equally worthwhile.
One thing is for sure - We are getting more and more people from all walks of life going through Higher Education yet the talent pool is dwindling - strange.
OK - I'm with you, blame it on Blair and Cameron
