Growing, Grooming the Degree-Holders...Have We Missed Out On Our 'UNDER'-Grads??

Today, the basic academic-route starts from:
Nursery > Kindergarten > Primary Sch > Secondary Sch > Poly / Pre-U / JCs > University ...

Many years back, the emphasis was for one to at least complete his 'O' levels. As society progress, achieving a Diploma-cert. becomes the criteria for a job-seeker, and now - most employers sets their minimum requirement (for job openings) to a Degree-holder (in any field).

In our pursuit to engaging better and more qualified pool of people, have we, in some way, missed out on our 'UNDER'-grads; the 'O-level'-holders, Diploma-holders, and the 'Non-Degree-Holders-But-With-Much-Experience' group.

Everyone is encouraged to keep on upgrading but sad to say, not everyone can afford either the $ or the time to. Our younger generations now have the benefits to pursue their studies all the way, without having to worry on course fees or financial burdens as this part has been well taken care of by their parents. In fact, most parents starts investing in educational savings as early as their child is one year of age, hence providing their children with a guaranteed education for as far as one can pursue; at least till one achieve a degree. So they are somehow blessed, compared to those older generations (who wasn't blessed with such).

However, this doesn't give us the reason to outcast those non degree-holders; those who wished they can afford the time and $ for a degree course but CAN'T.

What makes one think that a non degree-holder does not have what it takes, does not have the knowledge or capability to take up that job opening (only opened for degree-holder)? For all we know, this person may, through his many years of working experiences, turn out to be even more suitable than a fresh-grad (with no relevant working experience).

Aren't we encouraged to give people a second chance? Why are we placing that much of emphasis on job applicants to be a degree-holder then? Why can't we open to those with relevant working experience and give these people a chance, get the employers to spend some sincere time to listen to what they can contribute rather than totally outcast them.

Or is it a BASIC requirement that certain job designations are to be held only by people with certain calibre?