Nearly two-thirds of young people feel that learning work skills is more important than getting a degree, according to a new survey.

The report by SkillCity, which promotes vocational teaching, found that 61% of 16 to 24-year-olds favoured work skills over a degree, while half of those interviewed felt that learning work-based skills was the best way to a good career.

The survey also found that 69% of the 500 young people interviewed thought high-quality training was available to school-leavers.

Sir George Russell, chairman of the SkillCity advisory board, said: “Today there is huge potential for people choosing skills-based careers.

“Not only do they offer good long-term employment prospects, but the skills deficit in the UK means there are plenty of opportunities among an incredibly diverse range of vocational careers. Young people with the right vocational skills are in demand.”

The report comes a week after the Tomlinson report on the education of 14-19-year-olds in England recommended more vocational training in schools.