It used to be that most of those who left sixth form with their A-Levels generally continued on the education path to university where they would study for a degree course or similar.

However, a new study suggests that many of those who will be opening their results tomorrow will not be heading for higher education - and not because they didn't get the grades they wanted.

An increasing number of young people are deciding not to continue to university for academic studies but instead are taking more vocational courses which are more tailored to them getting a foothold on the career ladder.

There is nothing wrong with continuing education, of course, an some jobs do demand a degree. But there are many young people who leave university in their early 20s to find the degree course they have taken has not necessarily got them any advantage in the job market.

There are jobs out there, as anyone in industry will tell you, but the key is making sure the young people who apply for them have the right skills for the positions.

The best vocational courses are closely in touch with their relevant industries and know exactly what employers are looking for, and give the necessary training accordingly.

It is quite right that pursuing more vocational studies should be seen as being on an equal footing with academic courses at universities, and any young person who has the foresight to want to train for a specific industry or sector should be given every help and encouragement to do so.

Only by giving our youngsters the right training and the right choices can we build a successful future workforce and economy.