A RECENT study showed that 40 per cent of graduates are in jobs that do not require degrees. Many of them must be asking themselves why they bothered to go to university.

We are told that more school leavers than ever are starting university this year, but again you have to ask why, when the drop-out rate at some universities is as high as 45 per cent.

While the government is pressing valiantly on towards its target of getting 50 per cent of school leavers into higher education, the UK economy is suffering from an acute skills shortage.

Something very odd is going on. The education system is churning out graduates without the skills that employers require. Vast amounts of public money are being thrown away - the drop-out rate alone is said to be costing £250million a year.

Bournemouth University has a fine record of working closely with various industries and running vocational degree courses that lead directly into careers. Instead of sneering at "wacky degrees", other universities should follow its example.

I am not suggesting everyone would benefit from vocational courses or that the entire university system should be refashioned into a giant training college for business.

What I am saying is that many young people are having too much education and not enough training. They could well be happier and better off if they undertook vocational training and got onto the career ladder earlier.

The British Chambers of Commerce - in which Dorset Business plays an active role - has been doing detailed work on this subject this year. One of our recommendations is more vocational training.