Vocational education is supposed to improve work and employment skills, but many of the vocational courses developed in schools and colleges after the collapse of industrial apprenticeships in the 1970s have not offered real opportunities for young people in the labour market. Instead, a succession of new qualifications was introduced, which lasted a few years and were then discarded in favour of new ones. This article describes key elements of the more high profile qualifications such as the General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs), the more expensive ones, like the special diplomas championed by New Labour, and the most durable--the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) awards. Additionally, it points out the shortcomings of current apprenticeships and argues that rather than a narrow vocationalism, it would be better to provide a good broad education for everyone through a general diploma. This general diploma would provide entitlement to different types of learning, offering high-quality technical education and training for those who desire it, with opportunities for workplace placements, but as one of a number of options and not as a distinct pathway.