No degree, or even A levels, but why has no-one mentioned the 26 other qualifications that newly-crowned 'apprentice' Michelle Dewberry has?
14 candidates, seven with degrees and two with a Masters, yet Sir Alan was left with two women who have been touted as only 'having a few GCSEs between them'. The reality is that Michelle Dewberry and Ruth Badger together not only have 10 GCSEs but more than 26 other qualifications including NVQs - qualifications which seem to have stood them in good stead for the most demanding of employers.
Mark Fisher, Chief Executive of Skills for Business, the network of Sector Skills Councils that represents the skills needs of employers said:
"There has been much in the press about Sir Alan's professed dislike of qualifications. But there has been very little mention of the multiple vocational qualifications held by Michelle Dewberry and Ruth Badger, which have obviously proven their worth in this programme and in their lives. The problem is with public perception.
"'The Apprentice' has highlighted how much the UK needs a shift in perception in relation to training for employees. Vocational qualifications are valid and practical qualifications that can respond directly to the skills shortages that we are currently suffering in the UK. If we are to begin to address our productivity problem, employers, parents and the general public need to recognise and value the full range of skills and qualifications people have." | 
