Dumbing Down

Shelf stacking is the stereotypical summer job for many students, desperately trying to scrape together enough cash to see themselves through their degree. While seen by many as boring and unrewarding, some enjoy the light relief provided by such a mindless activity.

All this is about to change, with the introduction of a ‘Tesco Foundation Degree’ at Man Met University. No longer will employees of the supermarket giant be able to mindlessly replenish the shelves. They will now be expected to study for a degree in the activity, to ensure that they are adequately qualified.

This is the very definition of ‘dumbing down’. A degree is meant to be one of the highest academic qualifications an individual can achieve. Students require the ability to think logically and clearly, argue rationally, interpret complex texts and solve challenging problems before they can class themselves as a successful graduate. A ‘Tesco Foundation Degree’ is unlikely to put students through their academic paces. If it is possible to get a degree in anything, the value of a degree itself evaporates.

Practical qualifications are of utmost importance. Without them, our country simply would not function. There would be no builders, plumbers, mechanics, and probably no Tescos. By claiming that everybody needs a degree next to their name before they can consider themselves qualified for their job, we are diminishing the value of these crucial practical qualifications.

This country needs a skilled workforce to remain internationally competitive. It needs a wide skill base, containing people qualified for a vast range of different jobs. It does not need graduates stacking shelves.