FORTY-SIX per cent of voters think A-levels have become easier over the last 10-15 years, according to an opinion poll published by the think tank Reform.

Indeed, the pass rate has increased year-on-year for the past 23 -- from 68.2 per cent in 1982 to 97 per cent yesterday.

But although opponents of the exam say prospective employers can no longer distinguish the extremely talented from the merely able, for some professions having A-levels is still an absolute necessity.

Mike Damms, of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Most employers still recognise A-levels but there is a genuine concern that standards are falling and that there are not enough elements in education that are related to work.

"Although no one wants to diminish the fact that our young people have worked hard there is no longer any confidence that the A-level system can differentiate the super-gifted from other A-grade students, who we need to recognise to be able to compete on the world stage.

"We also have a particular problem in East Lancashire as our students leave the area for higher education and then never return. While the country as a whole is benefiting from a more highly qualified workforce, here in East Lancashire we are experiencing a shortfall in our working population with degree or similar qualifications."

At Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, West Park Road, Blackburn, almost 60 per cent of students achieved grade A or B. And while 11 students attained straight As, there were more A-grades awarded than in any previous year.

Headmaster David Hempsall praised his students' efforts but urged A-level reform: "A-levels have been the only consistent form of examination since the Second World War yet they have been severely shaken since a system of band marking was introduced.

"The only short term solution to make the exams more relevant would be to introduce a mark-based system then employers and universities -- who complain about the A-level system a lot -- could see the high achievers.

Less snobbery exists around A-levels now as the importance of vocational qualifications becomes widely recognised. These qualifications need to be left alone now by the government so they can become established and thrive.

"What I would like to see is a system like the Dutch have, where academic and vocational programmes run alongside. There is no social prejudice between brawn or brain and I have great admiration for the way the scheme integrates the two effectively."

More youngsters are pursuing vocational career paths and 255,500 young people are undertaking an Apprenticeship in England.

The third City and Guilds Vocational Rich List released earlier this year, which ranks the wealth of those who built their fortunes on vocational qualifications, highlights exceptional individuals who gained practical skills at a young age and used them to their advantage.

Top of the league are celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver, Gary Rhodes and Gordon Ramsey along with fashion designers Alexander McQueen and Karen Millen. In top spot, for the third year running, is John Caudwell, the Staffordshire-based Phones telecoms magnate, with an estimated fortune of £1.28billion.

Steve Palmer, executive director of the Learning and skills Council (LSC) in Lancashire, said, "Apprenticeships offer school leavers the opportunity to develop skills that are valued and in demand in the workplace. Research shows that UK employers rank apprenticeships top of their wish list for staff, above a university degree. For employers they make good business sense -- not only can apprentices solve recruitment and skills shortages, they demonstrate high levels of loyalty and commitment to their employers."

Neil Anderson, secretary and accountant of Blackburn-based employment agency, The Work Point, said, however, there is still a place for all types of qualifications -- it is just that they are becoming more and more specialised.

He added: "There are more types of qualifications now. The career someone wants to follow will determine whether they should undertake something more academic such as A-levels or a qualification that is work oriented such as an NVQ.

"Any qualification is important when looking for work and even if A-levels are getting easier, the fact that someone has studied and applied themselves for two years and sat through exams shows they have dedication and determination.

"We find people jobs in many industries and professions and in my experience it is still easier to place someone with A-levels than someone without and employers do still look at them as an indicator of the calibre of candidate.

I wouldn't say that A-levels are becoming less relevant to the world of work, there are just more types of qualifications."

A DfES spokeswoman said A-levels were "here to stay" but added: "We recognise that we need to increase the stretch and challenge within A-level for our brightest students."

However, for one student, Greg Hughes, 18, who has just achieved a Grade A, two Grade Bs and a C in his exams, the debate over A-levels is "purely academic."

Greg, from Beardwood, Blackburn, said: "You can't win either way. If you do well they say it is because the exams are easy and if you don't do well then it is because standards are slipping and we have not worked hard enough.

"The way that I see it is that these exams are just a stepping stone to get into University to study to do the job that I want to do. And I am sure once I have my degree my A-levels won't matter to me or any prospective employer."

Lancashire county councillor Alan Whittaker, cabinet member for schools, added: "Rather than criticising we should take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of young people. I would welcome changes to broaden the scope of the curriculum for 16-18 year old students."