A LETTER in the Gazette last week (April 4), praised Cllr Paul Harvey's comment, that "a university must be a top priority for Basingstoke". My question is, why, how many people have had their employment prospects, improved by a degree? When I left school back in the 60s, I knew two people with degrees, both scientists at AWRE. From our sixth form, three boys went on to university. In the years since, are we to believe, that the education system is so much better. Of course not, universities have introduced courses that suit the less academically gifted, as now students must pay for their education. This has turned universities into very successful businesses, attracting many overseas students.

READ MORE: Council prioritises attracting a university to Basingstoke

It was Tony Blair, who decided that half of school leavers should go to university, this was primarily to hide high youth unemployment figures. It is ironic, that his son has a successful company advising companies and school leavers on apprenticeship schemes. I took an apprenticeship, when I left school, and if not academically gifted is still the best way to start a career. You are being trained and being paid, and it gives you a 'head start' on job vacancies.

D.J. White

Coates Close

Basingstoke

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