I've been working for nearly 4 years, in that time I've done two NVQs (level 2 and 3) and am going to uni part-time next intake all paid for by my employers. I've got my own brand new place (built about a year ago), a mortgage, a car, my place is kitted out with everything new-age, plasma tvs, home cinema, carpets, etc lol.
Experience is greater than qualifications, no doubt, but you need the qualifications before you can gain the experience at management level, unless you spend a lot of time working for it. As it stands though I already supervise at 19, so by the time I'm 21 and all my uni mates have finished work not only will I be on more than them with near enough the same qualifications, but I'll have earnt thousands while they were at uni, will have like £10,000+ invested in property and 5 years of experience.
I deliberately didn't go to college, but given the option I'd like the uni life... if only to make memories.
2008 I'd like to start working on the business more. Make some real money.