London Mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan has called for an end to “snobbery in relation to vocational courses”, after visiting an Enfield college.

The MP praised the work staff at Capel Manor College, in Bullsmoor Lane, whilst showing his support for vocational courses.

He said: ‘“Even with the most optimistic scenario half of the population are going to go to university and half won’t. We’ve got to stop the snobbery there is in this country in relation to vocational courses.

“We’ve got to make people understand there should be the same parity of esteem so people aren't snobby about it. Vocational courses can lead to fulfilling jobs, rewarding jobs.”

Khan, who is busy campaigning in the run up to May’s elections, visited the college with Joan Ryan,Labour MP for Enfield North, who described the fantastic work being done at the college.

“It’s been brilliant to talk to the students about how the college is helping them fulfil their potential,” he added.

“One of the problems we have got as a city is there are too many talented people who aren't being spotted, who aren't being nurtured or being given the support they need to make sure their potential is fulfilled.

“The good thing about this college is they’ve got thousands of students and they are helping them to fulfil their potential so they can find out what they want to do when they have to earn a living.”

If elected, Khan hopes to launch a ‘Skills for Londoners’ initiative - working with employers to give young Londoners “skills for tomorrow.” He applauded the college for working with employers and giving students the skills to succeed in their chosen fields.

Some students told Mr Khan they had decided to take up a course at the college after finding academic courses did not suit them.

He said “I met a couple of students, who said this is their second or third course because they started an academic course at university and realised it wasn’t for them. This is the second chance for them to do something else.”