More students are going directly into the workforce after graduation.
The past decade has seen a move towards more practical degree courses that make people more "job-ready".
That's the opinion of group Chief Executive of FRS Network, Camross' Colin Donnery.
Analysis by the higher Education Authority shows more students are choosing to work after they graduate, as opposed to continuing their studies.
Mr. Donnery says people stay in education longer during recessions:
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