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The Diploma Dilemma
Leaving school and going directly into a job used to be a common path, but new data shows this is a shrinking option. Last year, only one in five 18-year-olds went straight into the workforce. A recent analysis of job advertisements reveals a key reason for this shift: a growing number of entry-level positions are now being labeled "graduate-only," effectively shutting out qualified school leavers.
A forthcoming report, "Discrimination & Pretence of Graduate-only Jobs," by Paul Wiltshire argues that this trend is a direct consequence of policies pushing for mass higher education. The result is a surplus of graduates, which allows companies to demand a degree even for roles that traditionally didn't require one. This creates a vicious cycle, as more school leavers feel pressured to attend university to compete, often accumulating significant debt for jobs that don’t genuinely need a degree.
The High Cost of 'Pretend' Graduate Roles
According to Wiltshire, many graduates are now taking on roles he calls "pretend graduate jobs"—positions where a degree isn't necessary for the work itself. This forces many teenagers who would prefer to enter the workforce or cannot afford higher education to either take on debt or be locked out of these roles entirely. The cost of this trend isn't just personal; it's also a burden on taxpayers, who fund degree courses that may not provide real career benefits and shoulder the weight of unpaid student debt.
Here's a look at some specific examples of jobs that now often require a degree, sparking debate about the true value of higher education for these roles:
Bowling Alley Manager Trainee
The Hollywood Bowl Group offers a "hospitality graduate scheme" that is advertised as a fast-track to leadership. While the job description emphasizes "passion and drive," it still requires a 2:2 degree in any subject. The reality of the job involves tasks like allocating lanes, handing out bowling shoes, and taking food orders—tasks that could be learned with on-the-job training.
Pest Control Technician
Pest Solutions in Aberdeen hires graduate trainees to work toward a Level 4 BPCA Certified Field Biologist qualification. This is one step above an A-level qualification (Level 3), which suggests the role could be accessible to school leavers. Yet, the company prefers candidates with a degree (a Level 6 qualification), even if it's not science-related, for a starting salary of £26,250.
Estate Agent
Foxtons promises its graduate estate agents a salary of £31,000 per year and the use of a company car. Although advertised for graduates, a Foxtons spokesperson clarified that the same roles are open to non-graduates. In fact, this year, 56% of their new hires did not have a degree, highlighting a disconnect between job advertisements and hiring practices.
Footwear Sales Technician
Profeet Sports Lab in London is looking for a "footwear sales technician" with a degree, preferably in sports science. The job involves using specialized equipment to recommend footwear, with training provided on-site. The role pays £13.85 an hour, which has led critics to question the necessity of a university degree for what is, at its core, a retail position.
High-Level Administrative Assistant
A "graduate job" for a communications agency is seeking an administrative assistant to support a CEO. The role, essentially a modern-day secretary, requires a degree for tasks like arranging travel and scheduling meetings, a position that was once a common and respected entry point for school leavers. One business owner, Andy Crysell, who left school at 16, criticized these "exclusionary job specs" for limiting opportunities and perpetuating a cycle that devalues practical experience.
The Growing Debate
Critics like Chris McGovern from the Campaign for Real Education argue that making such jobs "graduate-only" makes a "mockery" of the time and investment required for a degree. Similarly, Iain Mansfield of the Policy Exchange think tank notes that many employers who arbitrarily demand a degree are limiting their talent pool by cutting themselves off from a significant portion of the workforce.
Some companies, however, defend their practices. Pest Solutions, for example, says that advertising to graduates has helped attract more women into the industry. Foxtons states that despite some ads, all their positions are accessible to both graduates and non-graduates.
As more young people navigate a job market that increasingly favors a degree, the debate over the purpose of higher education and the future of on-the-job training continues to grow.
