IT'S not easy being young these days. Many of the old certainties of previous generations have disappeared, gone the same way as much of Britain's manufacturing base.

The choice now appears to be more defined than ever before. Indeed, anyone could be forgiven for thinking that sometimes it looks as if it's either computers or nothing.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Although Britain has, in recent years, undergone a second industrial revolution, job opportunities are still there for those who study hard.

At the moment, technical and sixth form colleges offer a wide sweep of subjects that cater for a broad spectrum of tastes and abilities.

It's as it should be. This newspaper believes that vocational courses are just as important as the more traditional A-levels. The pluralism encouraged by this system creates opportunities across a range of talents.

It is because of this that we share the concerns of college leaders who have warned that the introduction of school sixth forms across Worcester will lead to less popular courses being axed. It's a possibility - the Learning and Skills Council believes a mismatch of vocational and A-level courses has developed.

This newspaper urges caution. An academic, exam-heavy course does not suit everyone, any more than university should necessarily be the goal of all. In fact, we need an infrastructure that will equip all our youngsters for their lives.

We should not run the risk of a delicate educational equilibrium becoming unbalanced.