A few months back, I found myself at my old university, chatting with eager teens about pursuing an arts degree. These young people, many from underrepresented backgrounds, had that spark of ambition. They showed me their polished LinkedIn profiles, ready to showcase their talents. But rather than the usual question of arts versus STEM, they threw me a curveball: was going to university even worth it?
This topic has become increasingly relevant, especially as more graduates struggle to find meaningful employment while drowning in student debt. With the current job market looking tough, many question whether we should encourage young people to pursue higher education at all. It’s understandable that they feel disillusioned.
Once, going to university seemed like a golden ticket to a better life. Back in 1999, then-Prime Minister Tony Blair aimed for 50% of young adults to enroll in higher education, up from just 20% a decade prior. The idea was that an educated workforce would boost economic growth and provide a pathway for working-class youth to rise into the middle class.
Fast forward to now: While university attendance has increased, job opportunities have not. Recent reports show that many graduates face one of the worst job markets in a generation. AI is reshaping the landscape, taking many entry-level positions. Major firms like Deloitte and PwC are cutting back on graduate hires, leaving many students skeptical about their future.
Some believe we should rethink our approach entirely. According to a recent survey, nearly half of Britons feel there’s an oversupply of university graduates. Instead, some argue for trades like plumbing or electrical work since those skills are less easily replaced by machines. Laws, too, are shifting in favor of promoting trade careers, especially in a world increasingly dominated by automation.
But diving into trades isn’t without stigma. Joshua King, a London electrician who shares his journey on TikTok, emphasizes he’s received judgment for his career choice. He sees more students seeking his advice, convinced trades can offer a reliable path compared to the uncertain job market for graduates.
That said, not every young person is drawn to trade work. This creates a mixed message: pursue a degree and risk debt, or choose a trade and face societal bias. Additionally, some blue-collar jobs are also at risk of automation.
Statistically, having a degree still leads to better job prospects. In 2024, around 87.6% of graduates in England were employed, compared to just 68% of non-graduates. They earned a median salary of £42,000 compared to £30,500 for those without a degree. However, the gap is closing, and the “graduate earnings premium” is shrinking.
This raises an important point: We shouldn’t dismiss degrees entirely. Felicity Halstead, who runs GoodWork, asserts that degrees remain crucial for standing out in a crowded job market. Employers still use them as a key hiring filter.
We risk creating a scenario where only those with wealth can afford a degree, which would further limit opportunities for talented young people from diverse backgrounds. Adrian, a friend of mine who didn’t attend university as a teen, eventually graduated from a Russell Group university and now works in policy. His experience highlights how denying access to higher education can stifle potential.
Higher education encourages young minds to engage deeply with subjects and fosters independence. Although the traditional path may look less reliable for job security today, it’s essential to recognize the broader benefits of a degree. It would be shortsighted to dismiss university entirely based on current job trends. Aspirations and personal growth are still vital. Rather than just reacting to fluctuating job markets, let’s consider the long-term value of education and personal enrichment.
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