University was a chance for me to grow up. I was a young 18. I got to leave home, meet a bunch of people, have some fun. I grew up a lot (kinda, ha) over three years and was ready to work when I was done. I also got a degree (which was far cheaper back then).
The paper degree never really opened any doors for me - meeting people probably did, growing up definitely did. 95% of the work I got/did that followed was because I taught myself PHP (and WML, LOL) for my dissertation project. If I'd knuckled down, I could have learned that in a few weeks without the degree.
With all this in mind, how long before enterprising firms come up with a learn and work option? I'm sure with a bit of thought you could make money off a hundred or smart 18 year olds. Give them a campus environment, free meals and board, some pocket money - then 12 hours (or whatever) of lectures a week, and the rest of the time they actually work for you doing practical things, putting in to practice what they're learning (or just doing a bunch of stuff that immerses them in a real life company). After a year or 18 months, they have something for a CV, contacts, they've got to grow up a bit, real life experience... Plus no student debt etc. I'd guess the company(ies?) involved could also have their pick of the smartest ones. Everyone wins.
The paper degree never really opened any doors for me - meeting people probably did, growing up definitely did. 95% of the work I got/did that followed was because I taught myself PHP (and WML, LOL) for my dissertation project. If I'd knuckled down, I could have learned that in a few weeks without the degree.
With all this in mind, how long before enterprising firms come up with a learn and work option? I'm sure with a bit of thought you could make money off a hundred or smart 18 year olds. Give them a campus environment, free meals and board, some pocket money - then 12 hours (or whatever) of lectures a week, and the rest of the time they actually work for you doing practical things, putting in to practice what they're learning (or just doing a bunch of stuff that immerses them in a real life company). After a year or 18 months, they have something for a CV, contacts, they've got to grow up a bit, real life experience... Plus no student debt etc. I'd guess the company(ies?) involved could also have their pick of the smartest ones. Everyone wins.