"If members of our military can meet the qualifications for a job -- and let me be clear, I'm not talking about reducing the qualifications for the job -- if they can meet the qualifications for the job, then they should have the right to serve, regardless of creed or color or gender or sexual orientation, " he said.

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But he sees himself as a role model and inspiration to young members of staff who might have more life experience than academic qualifications.

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They are gaining qualifications, going to college and university, getting jobs and becoming active members of society.

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In January, members of the engineering community reacted angrily to the decision to lump the engineering diploma with weaker qualifications, voicing concern that schools would no longer consider it worth offering as the effort would outweigh the return in the league tables.

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