The Government's win on University top up fees could provoke a renaissance in work-based learning, a training provider has suggested.

Pete Brewer, Head of Brunel Training Group and sister company Gordano Training, said that despite the Government's emphasis on increasing the number of degree graduates, there was evidence that this was not what employers needed.

He added that vocational training could equip staff with the skills they and their employers needed.

“With escalating fees and recent academic research citing that 40% of UK graduates are in jobs which do not require degree-level skills, we need to reassess the options for our school leavers," he said.

"A solution is provided by work-based training, where employees can undertake their everyday work and contribute to business, but also obtain valuable qualifications and transferable skills.

"NVQs in areas such as manufacturing, engineering, business administration and social care are a great example of this.”

Mr Brewer also urged employers to consider training young people under the Modern Apprenticeship scheme.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is set to embark on a three-year, £16 million marketing campaign to promote Modern Apprenticeships to employers and young people.

Under a Government directive the LSC has just over one year to enrol 28% of under 22-year-olds in Modern Apprenticeships. The present level is 23%.