The government's plans to expand university places will mean that hundreds of thousands of graduates will not find jobs that repay their investment in higher education, according to new research released on Monday.

Forum Response: Association of Accounting Technicians

Jane Scott Paul, chief executive of the AAT said: "It is time we recognised that the drive to expand university education is not the only solution to developing the competitiveness of the UK economy.

"We need a range of high-quality vocational opportunities to provide worthwhile choices for all young people to develop their careers.

"The government should concentrate its focus on promoting and raising the profile of vocational skills-based qualifications as a credible route to career advancement and professional study. 

"The AAT's work-based Accounting Qualification enables people to earn while they learn and develops practical business skills.

"The qualification also offers access to the highest levels of the accountancy profession through well-recognised progression routes to the chartered accountancy qualifications."