West Ham United vice-chairwoman Karren Brady has promoted the benefits of plumbing courses ahead of university education.

The new Apprentice assistant told the Telegraph that some school leavers would be better of studying for vocational qualifications through avenues such as plumbing courses instead of going to university.

Ms Brady's comments came after it was reported that the overall pass rate for A Levels rose for the 28th consecutive year, fuelling a scramble for a limited number of university places.

The business impresario said that people who complete plumbing courses and decorating courses would have the advantage over graduates in the job market as their skills are sought after and constantly in demand.

She told the newspaper: "I would rather go ... and learn hairdressing or painting and decorating or plumbing. I would rather have a practical skill than a degree. It is interesting that I didn't go to university, Lord Alan Sugar didn't go to university."

Ms Brady went onto say that university stifles the "magical ingredient" of the entrepreneurial spirit which is essential for people who want to set up their own business.

She told the publication: "When I had a choice of going to university or not, my belief was that university was not for people who wanted to be in business and entrepreneurism.

"Entrepreneurism is not about qualifications it is about a spirit, a drive, an energy and an ability to take risks, to see opportunities and be able to work hard enough to turn an opportunity into a business, and nobody can teach you that."

Charlie Mullins, Britain's wealthiest plumber, is just one successful example of someone who decided that plumbing courses would benefit them more than a three year stint at university.

After passing plumbing courses as a teenager, Mullins set up his own company at the age of nineteen and is now a millionaire.

He told the Growth Business site that he was inspired to take plumbing courses after noticing the financial benefits of becoming a plumber.

"[The plumber] was the only person I knew who had a car and went on holiday - the only person in the area that had any money," he told the website.

People who are interested in becoming a plumber must understand that there is not a quick entry into the industry as a proper sequence of approved and accredited NVQ plumbing courses at the required level must be completed.

The City & Guilds NVQ 6129 level 2 plumbing course is the starting point for any potential plumber because it allows the ability to progress onto NVQ level 3.