MORE THAN than a quarter of students who stay on to do their A-levels or equivalent vocational qualifications do not go on to higher education. Around 30 per cent of these take up clerical or secretarial jobs. Sales occupations and a career in either management or the professions between them account for a further a further 30 per cent placements. While it’s still possible to take up professions such as accountancy and journalism without a degree, supported with on-the-job training, the trend is towards all-graduate recruitment. Other common careers for 18-year-olds include catering, health care and a variety of skilled trades.