Inspired by the the political probing of our beloved scumbaggav
On University degrees and utilitarianism: Utilitarianism demands that people be qualified to perform jobs, benefiting everyone, right?
Well, with the exception of engineering, most degrees are not vocational: they do not lead directly into a job.
For example this is a 'graduate' software engineering job, it demands a 2:2 degree (doesn't mention which subject) but ALSO commercial experience developing .NET languages. You must have more than just a degree to get this job.
Many other jobs are much more specific, some don't even require a degree but vast knowledge of a specific problem domain.
For one, I think being learned is important, and I'd be extremely happy if 50% of people could understand the weird comp sci or maths I tend to drone on about when pished.
However, asking me to care about increased Uni entrance is like asking me to care about the personal development of complete strangers. It's like asking me to care about a complete stranger studying Tai Chi. "Good on you bud! Wait, who are you?"
And we still can't find a fucking roofer for the workshop! I certainly don't have the roofing skills or tools, neither do any of my (pointedly) academic friends.
The best thing labour have done in terms of education is to boost the resources of vocational training places, like Moray college. They have a whole new technical building now where people can become mechanics and sparkies, which is good for the person with the skills, 'cus now they have a good job (likely to lead to being self-employed) and also their skills are actually useful to everyone else.
Clearly good for all.
PS: Ahhh, rants on one small issue
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