If tuition fees were abolished then there would be no cost difference between say an apprenticeship or a degree

Therefore more people would be incentivised towards any career path they chose. In addition making degrees less A Level specific for entry would enable more high calibre students in more fields which would lead to an overall better educated society, which in turn leads to high skillsets, higher salaries, better output and overall a boost to the economy. Stop short term gains at the loss of long term benefits!