By Daniel “Dan” Miller

For decades, the UK has treated “more people going to university” as the only credible measure of progress. That mindset has shaped career conversations in schools, family expectations, and political targets.

This underlying narrative has also reshaped the education system. Technical, vocational and trade-focused institutions were steadily converted into universities, and the cultural message to young people became simple. If you are ambitious, you pursue further study in academia, which means university.

University is still the right route for many students. The issue is that it became the default for far too many, including those who would thrive more through practical training, work-based learning and direct routes into employment.

For a growing number of young people, the financial side of the decision is impossible to ignore.

Student debt is no longer a short-term sacrifice. For many, it functions like a graduate tax that sits in the background for years, with repayment and interest becoming a persistent drag rather than a traditional loan.

The estimated rate for student finance last year was around 6.5%, meaning many graduates don’t even cover the interest on their loans.

That context is why the Prime Minister’s recent move to push more people towards apprenticeships matters. It........

© LBC