INCREDIBLE though it sounds, one still hears sometimes of a candidate with "A" level passes in mathematics and physics failing to get a university place. Disappointing though this may be there is an alternative course which should not be overlooked: the technical college.
A case in point demonstrates the value of the latter very well. Earlier this year a girl who was about to sit for her "A" level examination in pure and applied mathematics and physics failed to get even conditional acceptance at any of four universities. So, armed with her three passes, she tried the alternative, applied to three technical colleges, was accepted by all of them, and finally went to one near home which secured for her a scholarship from an industrial firm.
This girl is now working for her Diploma in Technology by means of a "sandwich course" which involves alternate periods in the college and the firm. When she goes to the firm, 100 miles from home, she will be trained on a new computer; and to her mother's satisfaction will be suitably lodged and looked after. Meanwhile, at the college she is one of five girls in a class otherwise composed of, 17 young men. She enjoys this ratio as well as the work.
"Dip. Tech." has the same status as B.Sc. There are now nearly 100 courses leading to this and subjects include applied physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as mathematics (pure and applied), metallurgy and the various branches of engineering. The full list, as well as the names of the Colleges of Advanced Technology, of Regional Technical Colleges where the courses can be taken can be obtained from the National Council for Technological Awards.
For boys the opportunities for future employment at present appear almost limitless. For girls there is research work in industry or in government concerns, technical librarianship, teaching in school or college, work on complicated computers as well as rarer opportunities. "Wastage" through marriage is the limiting factor.
Although Dip. Tech. has now largely replaced the external degree course at technical colleges, it is still possible to work for certain degrees at some colleges. The nearest college, or nearest large college should be able to give information on this. And the local authority should give the student a grant on the same terms as for a university course - unless an industrial scholarship renders this unnecessary.
.lcTechnical colleges provided an alternative to university education, although grants were not given for most courses.
