Essex's successful A- level students have been urged not to follow the crowd on the university trail and to consider alternative routes into a career in business.

Offering its congratulations to the record number of students to achieve passes in this year's exams, Essex Chambers of Commerce was keen to point out that further academic study is not necessarily the best way to equip themselves for the modern economy.

Instead they should be considering vocational training or even a modern apprenticeship, which the chamber insists could be just as an effective route to future economic success.

Westcliff-based deputy chief executive David Horsley said: "It is encouraging that so many young people are passing their A-levels. The results show the UK is well on its way to producing a highly skilled workforce.

"Business needs bright young people to consider all options for the future. Successful students need not follow the crowd to University to do well in life."

Published Monday August 19, 2002

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