Not sure if this is a European thing but in the German speaking countries of Europe there are universities and vocational universities. The first focus prepare

Not sure if this is a European thing but in the German speaking countries of Europe there are universities and vocational universities. The first focus prepare you for an academic career and the second prepare you for entering the work force (with some academic knowledge in case you need it in the industry or want to pursue an academic career). I think this makes a lot of sense and we have a system that allows you to get a well paying middle class job by completing a vocational education and offers paths to get higher education from there or even switch to the academic track. This always made sense to me and I think it's crazy how this is in other countries where the choice is going to University or learning your profession on the job.