Almost two thirds (63%) of college leavers think they are better skilled and more likely to find a job than graduates, new research reveals.

According to recruitment consultancy Angela Mortimer, over a fifth of college leavers believe they will earn more and have less debt by entering the job market without going to university.

Three quarters of recipients were prepared to gain unpaid work experience to improve their skills base, the consultancy reports.

Ashley Williams, Director of Partnership Products at Angela Mortimer, said this attitude fitted that sought by employers.

“They want to employ support staff who are bright, motivated and keen to learn – for these people the sky is the limit in terms of development opportunities.”

Williams added that college leavers were responding to the imminent influx of graduates on the jobs market because of government policies.

“What is surprising is that the majority of these college leavers think that they will be in a stronger position, with better skills and be more employable than their graduate counterparts by choosing work over university.

“With increased government targets for universities, there will be even greater numbers of graduates on the market in three years time; it is little wonder that these college leavers are getting a head start now.”