Mr Willets said that it is not essential that students enter university at 18 and that the tens of thousands due to be unsuccessful this year should continue to reapply. He further suggested that this “Club Med” model of higher education should be abolished and that unsuccessful applicants should take up work experience and apprenticeships before reapplying.

He said “We don’t want to get into a situation where the entire focus is on the academic route. People can do work experience and take up apprenticeships and maybe apply to university in the future.”

Vince Cable, Skills Secretary, agreed with Mr Willets concept saying that the higher education system should be much more flexible than it is at present.

Rachel Reeves, Labour MP, posed the question “With too few university places and high youth unemployment, what do you envisage young people do when they finish their studies?

Willets and Cable highlighted the 10,000 extra university places from last year, 150,000 additional apprenticeships and the possibility of financial incentives for companies employing young people.

Mr Willets said “For those who sadly prove unable to get a place, there will be a range of options and they can consider reapplying.”

Source: The Guardian, 20/07/2010