Learning fatigue hits degree ambitions

A quarter of a million 18-year-olds will wake up to a new future with the arrival of their A-level results, on Thursday morning.

However, survey results released today have revealed that this generation of students are suffering from what has been dubbed "learning fatigue". The survey conducted for Foundation Degrees indicated that this was coupled to a clear desire to gain work-based experience and forge on with the business of making money - a decision that may harm their career potential.

Government data predicts that by 2010 four out of five new jobs in the UK economy will require degree level skills, yet almost one in three school leavers will immediately start looking for work. Furthermore, around half of those with A level results that do not meet their expectations will walk away from education tomorrow. The decision to close the education chapter is the most common choice amongst young people and represents early warning signs for a significant skills' shortage in the UK workforce in the years ahead.

However, one higher education option is bucking this "turning from learning" trend. Since their introduction in 2001, Foundation Degrees have seen a 400% rise in course uptake, their success testament to the value that a work-motivated audience place on vocational education. Almost one in six school leavers rate an alternative higher education, such as pursuing a foundation-style degree, above a traditional university degree, the option to seek employment and the opportunity to travel.

Covering nearly every skills sector in the UK and working with leading UK employers, Foundation Degrees offer a choice for both business leaders and students. Tackling the national skills' deficit head on these qualifications align the national need for a skilled workforce with the wish of the youth population to get a professional and financial head start.

Representing a collaborative effort between employers and higher & further education they can provide students with skills relevant to the workplace.

The Markettiers tickbox Survey results were based on a poll of over 1,000 16-24 year olds conducted in July 2003.

Launched in September 2001 Foundation Degree courses are employment-related higher education qualifications open to everyone able to benefit from higher education including those qualified to level 3 including A-levels, Advanced Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A-levels or other vocational qualifications.

Currently, there are almost 12,500 students pursuing the 300 courses on offer in subjects as diverse as e-systems, design and technology, learning and teaching support and automotive manufacturing.

(SP)