The self-made millionaires have built their fortunes following an apprenticeship or other practical qualification.
According to the City and Guilds Vocational Rich List five of the country’s top 20 self-made millionaires come from construction and made their way in the business world on their own merits.
In pole position is Sir Anthony Bamford, the JCB billionaire, who saw his family fortune shoot up to £2.15bn this year. He passed through an engineering apprenticeship.
Next in the rankings is Redrow’s chairman Steve Morgan, said to be worth £400m, followed by John Bloor who built his £385m fortune in house building and then went on the rebuild the Triumph motorcycle name.
Another house builder David Wilson is estimated to be worth £360m after selling his business, followed by contractor Ray O’Rourke who is estimated to have amassed a £315m personal fortune.
In fact 25 of the top 100 also come from property and construction.
Chris Jones, CEO and Director General of City & Guilds said: “Our latest Vocational Rich List proves you don’t need a degree to succeed.
“The List not only celebrates the success of Britain’s leading business men and women, but also serves as an inspiration to others to discover their talent and unlock their potential through vocational education and skills training.
| Rank | Name | Background Weaith (£m) | Region | |
| 1 | Sir Anthony Bamford | 2,150 | Industry | Staffordshire |
| 2 | Laurence Graff | 2,000 | Diamonds | London (East) |
| 3 | John Caudwell | 1,500 | Mobile phones | Stoke-on-Trent |
| 4 | Sir James Dyson | 1,450 | Industry | Malmesbury |
| 5 | Sir Terry Matthews | 1,043 | Telecoms | Newport |
| 6 | Jim McColl | 570 | Industry | Glasgow |
| 7 | Trevor Hemmings | 550 | Property and leisure | London/Lancashire |
| 8 | Sir David McMurty | 450 | Industry | Dublin |
| 9 | Sir Arnold Clark | 430 | Cale sales | Glasgow |
| 10 | Steve Morgan | 400 | Property and construction | Liverpool |
| 11 | John Bloor | 385 | Industry | Midlands |
| 12 | David Wilson | 360 | Construction | Leicestershire |
| 13 | Ray O’Rourke | 315 | Construction | County Mayo |
| 14 | Jack Tordoff | 290 | Car sales | Bradford |
| 15 | David Hood | 250 | Electronics | Shipley |
| 16 | Michael Clare | 237 | Property and retailing | Beaconsfield |
| 17 | John Deer | 210 | Industry | Wooton-under-Edge |
| 18 | Michael Oglesby | 200 | Property | Scunthorpe |
| 19 | Peter Dawson | 187 | Truck details | Milton Keynes |
| 20 | Ron Dennis | 177 | Industry and motor sports | Woking |
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