With 55% of companies removing their degree requirements in 2023, Laura believes that technology is now evolving so rapidly that what students learn in their first year at university could be obsolete by the time they graduate.
“Let’s put it out there: You no longer need a degree to succeed in today’s digital era.
“Tools and technologies are evolving so rapidly that what students learn in their first year at university could be obsolete by the time they graduate. Take this into account with the rise of new roles such as AI prompt engineers, and we’re witnessing a radical shift in employment opportunities. Additionally, with university fees costing upwards of £40,000, many students are opting to explore alternate learning paths such as in-role training and development opportunities provided by prospective employers.”
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Useful links:
Awarding qualifications in Wales this year
An overview of this year’s assessment arrangements from Qualifications Wales: Summer 2024 results | Qualifications Wales
The Young Person’s Guarantee
This is the Welsh Government commitment to providing under-25s in Wales with support to gain a place in education or training, find work, or become self-employed: Young Person’s Guarantee | Working Wales (gov.wales)
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16 in Wales. They combine practical training in a job with study. Apprenticeships | GOV.WALES
Employment Bureaus
Based in FE Colleges, the Employment and Enterprise Bureaus provide a package of opportunities for students, full and part-time, to build essential employability and enterprise skills: Employment and Enterprise Bureaus | Business Wales Skills Gateway (gov.wales)
Power Up Campaign
Support for learners taking exams and assessments during the 2024 season: Power Up – Hwb (gov.wales)
Meic
The free helpline service for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales. Home – Home – Meic (meiccymru.org)
NHS Wales Silvercloud
Free online guided self-help programme to support learners and their parents: SilverCloud – Free online mental health therapy – Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)
