University came at great cost to family growing up, normally individual had to excel in Matric results, (grade twelve). Most families saved toward afford for one family member by saving over the years, debt was heavily frowned upon at the time unless wealthy not a decision done lightly.
No such thing as online anything, you physically went to a university or college for as many years as necessary, variety of trade schools at the time readily available as well.
Over the last twenty or so years I feel for young white lads who appear to have lost footing into private sector employment no matter qualifications. Recently all youth in our country suffer with nepotism employment which excludes many over whole colour spectrum.
Answer is to be self-employed then try grow.
Yeah, self employed isn't a bad idea, but that seems to fit more with some of those vocational jobs versus ones that require a university degree. It's going to be interesting to see where this road takes us in the future.
New technology I don't think all these degrees are going to help much, learn by experience and try something new all the time.
That's probably your best bet these days!
Almost everything you need is available to DIY, or create a living through necessity today is online. Failing which call a friend. 🙃