Before anyone get riled at my comments, remember I'm incredibly grateful to this form and worked hard to be worthy of the help you guys freely offer.
Valid points in all of the previous posts BUT in framing what the situation
should be we are in danger of never having any workable solution. Imagine the guy or gal who spends a couple of years on site learning from all the trades and getting a sold back ground in tool handling then magics up £6 - 12 grand in college fees plus lost wages. a year or two later, s/he then hits the market to be used as a van-loader / tea maker / goffer before being seen to have served his time and take his rightful place in the right hand van-seat.
..And, don't look to employers and shout "apprenticeship"! They simply will not stump up the front money from training regardless of age, sex or experience. They will either use the enthusiastic newby as cheap labour or pull in cheap, fully trained skills from overseas - regardless of the "B" word. Don't believe me - look at nursing in the NHS.
At risk of being stoned with a hail of failed 18v batteries. Less of the "better in the past" thoughts and more acknowledgement of the real world plus sacking the various organisations that do nothing and dip the hard worked pockets of all tradesman, would do wonders for the industry and job I worked hard to join and am still incredibly proud to be part of.
I can see a "Life of Brian" stoning video would fit in nicely right here