This guy should tune into the 21st century so that he can educate himself and realize how much of a problem "education" has become. Vocational schools are far superior.
That depends entirely upon your personal goals. Modern times have confused the purpose of "higher education". Originally, universities were intended to round out the gentleman. Learned people wanted to master their own language as well as other languages. Learning history, philosophy, arts, and literature is part of becoming "well rounded". These serve the soul of the man and supposedly prepare him to become a solid citizen. Topics like Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, and various Engineering degrees were hosted by universities due to their esoteric natures. It was natural to pursue those endeavors at the university level. In short, universities were not intended to be trade schools; and, those originally existed in ample supply.
Starting around the 1960s, I suppose, employers began requiring college degrees for new hires. Software skills were in high demand, and those without college degrees could master them in certain problem domains. Requiring college degrees for software jobs was a reliable method of narrowing down the applicant base of potential hires. I recall being among a rare breed with my Computer Science degree even in the early 1970s.
As time wore on, employers were demanding degrees for prospective employees even for those jobs which had no need of "the whole man". A mad scramble into the universities followed in order for the population be considered for employment. Some people went off to college to avoid the draft as well. Requirements for college degrees for almost every form of employment expanded rather stupidly. I suspect lazy HR departments would try anything to narrow the field of job applicants.
So, yes, trade schools need to brought back in large numbers. Apprenticeship programs would also be a big help. This entire problem is intensified with the loss of our industrial base and a monumental shift to software solutions to all domains.