[timwiseman]

Ah, I did partially misunderstand. I agree that the potential exists for universities to eventually be partially replaced by some other system, and I also think that right now we as a society undervalue vocational training.

With that said, I do not know what that partial replacement will be and I do not think (though I certainly could be wrong) that it will come anytime in the near future.

[netsp]

I think that there may be floodgates open if the right keys go in the right locks.

One problematic issue is accreditation/validation. Part of the reason vocational training is so different is because of this. This could work for a wide range of areas from programming or accounting to medicine & carpentry.

Other changes such as a move towards more self employment might also trigger something.