I'm not too familiar with the specifics of the Ork Underground area, but thinking about their life-span and higher education difficulties made me wonder if there was a way forward for them, albeit in a more specialized manner.
The Ork Institute.
The Ork Institute (OI) focuses on a mentor-based learning style with significant hands-on experience.
First year students are taken in at 15, and are given a 1 year skills upgrade in the English language and mathematics, along with a basic science course. They also receive multiple hands-on training experiences working with different mentors in different fields.
Second year students are required to then choose a particular field of study. Classroom teaching focuses on the specifics needed to perform in that field, with plenty of opportunity for hands-on training in real-world situations.
The length of curriculum varies depending upon how specialized and technical the student desires to go, but most graduate after three or four years with a certificate or diploma that is equivalent to those issued by more traditional schools.
OI graduates are just as capable in their particular field as other graduates, though they do lack a broader educational background which non-Ork students tend to have accumulated along the way.
Currently, OI is able to offer certificates or diploma's in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, book-keeping, accounting, paramedic, security, business administration and political science.
OI use of mentors and external work experiences keeps the costs to the students low. Graduates often return to the program in their thirties, having accumulated 20+ years of real-world experience, to help teach the next generation.
The Ork Institute also has a great football team, with students chanting "Oi! Oi! Oi!" to cheer their team to victory!
