Experience beats grades in war for success

49% of Australians with a combined net worth of more than $26 billion immediately undertook an apprenticeship, traineeship or on-the-job training when they left high school. According to a survey of some of Australia's wealthiest individuals, the most important ingredients that  a young person needs to succeed in their working lives are:
Ambition: 84%
Training/Skills: 71%
Encouragement: 48%

Furthermore, those who  completed an apprenticeship, traineeship or on-the-job training said this developed job skills (59%), taught perseverance and dedication (56%), provided them with the training to start their careers (36%) and provided a great start to their working lives (32%)

Human Resources 23 Jan 2007 - Source: Australian Business Limited