@cstross @ChrisMayLA6 @GeofCox
Though it is worth recalling that until the early C19th Scotland had twice as many Universities as England despite a smaller population, so the 2 countries have always had divergent views on the need for degree level education.
The modern increased requirement for degrees for entry level jobs is a valid point, but has that been driven by greater access to such education simply making it an easy metric for recruiters? Possible feedback loop in effect there.