As a former employee of McDonalds, I understand the hard work it entailed and the experience it gave me. But experience is all it should be. The whole point of school, college and university is to gain qualifications. Jobs like these are there for the experience of work only whilst studying, not for awarding qualifications, otherwise what is the point of going to college or uni?

Ash, Sheffield, UK

Work experience is not a qualification ! Being competent at your job is important but having a piece of paper to say you are is not the same as having an A level and it shouldn't be sold as such . A level maths shows a level of numeracy that may be welcome in any number of working environments . Having a mAc level shows that you are capable of working in burger bars ...

Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,

The author fails to understand (as does the government) that the reason McDonalds should not grant A-levels (and why the new diplomas are a waste of time) is because there is an important difference between academic and non-academic qualifications. Job skills are important, but can be acquired in many ways, without needing a qualification (hence the various questions on application forms for jobs). Academic skills are different and are not simply designed to enable someone to function in the workplace.

The government has such a crude economic/utilitarian view of education (unlike good economists) that they are eroding the quality at the top of the system for dubious benefits to the least able. No one has yet provided a coherent explanation for this.

John Scott, London,

I think this is an excellent example of what supposedly 'menial' jobs can teach young people. I learnt a hell of a lot from working for a major high street retailer throughout my acadmic studies. Working in such places gives you life experience and prepares you for your future career in way that no acadmic learning possibly could.

Joe, Bristol, UK

What exactly is the point of this piece and its relevance to the proposed A-levels?

Sure; the writer was an elite member of the McDonalds staff register, at a branch where the SAS regiment of burger bars is required.

But what does this have to do with offering a-level courses to staff?

Alex, Nottingham, UK