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- Skills or Degrees?
For years, we’ve been told that earning a degree was the best path to career success.
Yet, in 2024, this is no longer true - the landscape has shifted.
Employers today are increasingly focused on practical skills and hands-on experience, placing these above formal qualifications. But schools are often still emphasising this old narrative.
So, how can you best help your young people prepare to succeed in this evolving job market?
In some professions, such as medicine, engineering, and teaching, degrees are still essential, and we encourage school leavers to follow this path. But for everyone else the game has changed.
For many career paths, a university qualification is no longer the only—or even the most important—factor. It’s becoming more common for employers to consider skills, particularly soft skills.
More than two thirds of employers say soft skills are more important than educational qualifications in hiring.
A recent survey conducted by the Institute of Student Employers, 42% of hiring managers expressed ‘a willingness to hire candidates without degrees if they possessed relevant skills and experience’.
This trend is why we at miFuture support the 70% of Welsh school leavers not going to uni and why we post alternative upskilling opportunities every day.
Skills pay Bills!
For many employers, hands-on experience often outweighs formal education. The CIPD found that nearly 75% of UK employers rank skills and experience above academic qualifications when recruiting.
This is great news for school leavers wanting to avoid university debt and get straight into the workforce…
There’s a growing belief that practical experience offers candidates more directly applicable knowledge and demonstrates a readiness for the workplace. Candidates who build their careers directly after school, in many cases, show employers their adaptability and problem-solving skills—qualities highly regarded in today’s job market.
Moreover, a study by the Welsh Government revealed that Welsh school-leavers who pursued apprenticeships earned, on average, higher starting salaries than their university-bound peers. Apprenticeships offer the benefits of education and practical experience, often allowing young people to enter the workforce debt-free.
Bootcamps are hard and soft skill focussed are linked directly to local employment markets; and those at CAVC offer a promise of an interview.
@mifuturehq Don't miss this: Cloud Bootcamp This 12 week bootcamp prepares learners for a career in the cloud, and connects them to potential employe... See more
For School Leavers; Soft Skills is the Focus
In today’s fast-paced job market, technical know-how and hands-on experience are invaluable.
However, employers are seeking young candidates with the soft skills that benefit their organisations.
According to a survey by Career Wales, 87% of employers now rate a positive attitude above formal qualifications when hiring for entry-level roles.
🤔 Problem-solving
The ability to identify and solve problems is invaluable. Whether at school, university, or in a job, providing examples of how you resolved challenges demonstrates resourcefulness and critical thinking—two qualities that employers highly value.
🤝 Teamwork
Employers are drawn to candidates who work well with others. Successful teamwork skills include active listening, clear communication, and a willingness to collaborate. In an interview, consider sharing examples from group assignments or past work roles that showcase these skills.
🗣️ Communication
Effective communication skills reduce errors and improve efficiency within organisations. Employers seek candidates with strong written and verbal abilities, as clear communication supports both individual and team productivity.
🙌 Motivation and Enthusiasm
Passionate employees who demonstrate genuine interest in their work are rare. Displaying enthusiasm about the role and the company during interviews can set you apart from others and is just as important as qualifications or prior experience.
🤩 Adaptability and Willingness to Learn
As the job market changes, so too must its workforce. 48% of UK employers reported prioritising a candidate’s adaptability over formal education when hiring. The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is a critical skill in today’s workforce.
Building Soft Skills: Tips for Parents and Teachers
Check out this article I shared for practical ways to help your young adults build the soft skills employers want 👇
Thank you for reading!
Don’t forget we share the best alternatives to uni on out social channels daily.
📩 Keep an eye out for the next newsletter from me where I’ll share more on the value of skill pathways.
If I can be of any more help on this, let me know.
You've got this 😎✌️
Gem Hallett, miFuture Founder
miFuture.co.uk | @miFutureHQ
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