So you have worked hard to gain your GCSEs and good enough grades in your A levels. Now like many others, you are now ready to go to university. It will cost you three or more years of your life and thousands upon thousands of pounds to do it, but that’s okay because you will get a high paid job afterwards.
Or will you? Have you actually researched the pitfalls of the university route, as well as the benefits? You will be perhaps surprised and dismayed at the facts.

The Independent on 18th February 2014 reported on a survey conducted by Totaljobs.com, that concluded that nearly 40 percent of graduates were still unemployed six months after completing university. 25 percent were still looking for work after a year. This despite a 7.1 percent fall in unemployment nationally, as reported by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) a couple of weeks or so earlier. 
In 2013, an ONS report stated that 47 percent of university graduates employed within 6 months, were actually in work where a degree wasn’t necessary.
The survey by Totaljobs.com also found that almost half of all graduates felt that they should have shunned academic courses and opted for the vocational option instead.
That was in 2014, so maybe things have improved you might think. Well think again!
The Telegraph reported this year on 8th March that figures show that thousands of new graduates were out of work. The paper wrote that a third of working graduates took jobs such as cleaners, office juniors and road sweepers six months after finishing university and it further stated that over 60,000 students were doing non-professional jobs, such as administration and secretarial, service and caring, and sales and customer service. 
Don’t misunderstand us. We are not saying that university is a bad idea for everyone; far from it. But we are saying that the drive to herd as many young people into universities as possible is not the best option for everyone.

So if you have looked at the facts and now decided that you need to look at something else, what are your options? After a look on the internet you decide to consider a course that is on the UK Qualifications and Credit Framework. This will give you the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for and therefore be your route into the career of your choice.
Oops! You’ve almost been bowled another googly. Ofqual are considering scrapping QCF rules. Why? Read it in the Ofqual’s director of policy’s own words:
“For some time now there has been concerns about the QCF and its potential to stand in the way of good quality qualifications and innovation.” The director wants to remove those rules that are stopping both students and employers from having confidence in the body. 

If this isn’t bad enough, this is what the director of policy, research and regulation at City and Guilds Group said.
“We have long believed that the current QCF rules do not fully support the development of high quality vocational qualifications, sometimes hampering AOs’ ability to work directly with industry to design the right qualifications.”

If this wasn’t so important to the futures of those looking to gain the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their desired career, it would be laughable. But this is the UK Qualifications and Credit Framework, which by the comments of both Ofqual’s director of policy and City and Guilds director of policy, research and regulation, is essentially not fit for purpose and this is not a laughing matter.

But don’t give up hope. The Academy for Distance Learning successfully bridges the obvious gap that exists between employers and would-be employees coming from main stream accredited education. This is because our courses are excellently written and delivered by experts in their particular field, for employers in their field. They ensure that our courses remain relevant and up-to-date, so that employers can be confident that the person in front of them at an interview, knows their stuff and can take their learning into the work place. We have recognised for a long time, that employers all over the world are less interested in where a qualification comes from, and more interested in what a potential employee can bring to their business. Ask yourself: "What advantage will you have at an interview, if you can demonstrate both a sound knowledge of the job you are applying for and the skills to apply it to real life situations?"

We sincerely believe that we can help you to get to where you want to go, whether you are studying to further your career, increase your business prospects, or for important general Self Improvement.

But don’t take our word for it. Click on the link Testimonials and read what our students say about ADL's online distance learning courses.