no i have to politely disagree with you nero. while i still agree experience is the most important thing, but learning in U is not just about learning engineering knowledge, but about the whole (engineering) life itself. socialize with "elite" people, get immersed with "culture", and the way of engineering life, decision making, manners and skill of interaction, confidence etc.
well, i dont say that if you dont go to U you will not have manners, but.... only slightly different.
To that, I'll have to disagree with you, to an extent. An apprenticeship, chosen correctly, can be all that- I'm not sure about the choice of the word "elite" there, but manners, decision making, confidence and interaction are not something exclusive to people who decided to go to university.
While I agree, some tradesmen are a bit "rough", that tends to change with the nature of the work. My example; I work in an electronics/calibration department at an electricity company. The tradesmen and apprentices in the section are precise, polite and measured people- We interact with engineers and office and field staff at their level. Confidence, something I severely lacked leaving school, is now no longer a problem.
If I had opted for a field-based role as, say, an electrical fitter, a contracting electrician, I wouldn't be anything like I am now- certinally not talking on this forum, defending my trade as a step into the world of electronics design.
Simply; Please don't assume all trades as producing "Joe Dodgy the contractor".
If you're able and willing to do the university time, by all means, do it if that appeals. However, please don't discount a quality trades education.