An assessment has not been made to date of the effects on careers of vocational learning in schools. We do know that wider research has indicated a positive return to earnings for those undertaking vocational learning while our own Youth Cohort study suggests that around 22 per cent. of learners with existing vocational qualifications are in higher education by the age of 19. Vocational and applied qualifications offer valuable choice to young people and 14-19 Diplomas in particular will enable young people to achieve their ambitions because employers and higher education designed them.