Euan Blair says the United Kingdom education system lacks the political will to implement reforms necessary for the AI revolution [1].
Blair, the CEO and founder of Multiverse, argues that the current academic structure is not built for a modern economy. By promoting apprenticeships over traditional university degrees, he suggests the UK can better prepare young people for a workforce increasingly defined by artificial intelligence [1, 2].
"Apprenticeships are the future of education, not university," Blair said [3].
Blair suggests that traditional metrics of success are outdated. He specifically noted that GCSE grades do not count in apprenticeship performance, implying that standardized testing is a poor indicator of professional capability in the tech age [4]. He said the country needs political will to deliver far-reaching education reforms to expand pathways beyond the university system [1].
His company, Multiverse, has grown rapidly while championing these alternative pathways. The firm has achieved unicorn status, with valuations reported between £1.35 billion [5] and £1.4 billion [6]. The company's valuation is also estimated at $1.7 billion [5].
Despite the high valuation, the company has faced internal challenges. Reports indicate that dozens of jobs were cut at the firm [7]. Blair himself has achieved a nine-figure net worth through the growth of the business [8].
Blair continues to advocate for a systemic shift in how the UK views vocational training. He argues that the speed of AI integration requires a more agile approach to learning than the multi-year university model provides [1, 2].
“"Apprenticeships are the future of education, not university."”
The push for apprenticeships over degrees reflects a growing tension between traditional academic credentials and the rapid skill requirements of the AI sector. If the UK shifts toward vocational models, it could reduce university reliance and address skills gaps, but it requires a fundamental change in how the government and employers value non-traditional certifications.
