Self-made multi-millionaires

Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay are among high-fliers who have become top earners despite a lack of academic qualifications, a new study revealed today.

But even the TV favourites lag behind other business leaders who have amassed vast personal riches after shunning academia to complete vocational courses or apprenticeships.

Fashion designer Karen Millen and hairdresser John Frieda also feature in the 25-name rich list, headed by phones4u magnate John Caudwell, 52.

He entered the workplace as an engineering apprentice and now has an estimated worth of £1,280million - up from £840million last year.

Former bricklaying apprentice Trevor Hemmings, who once owned the Pontins holiday camp chain, is at no2 with about £700 million in assets. He has ambitious plans for Blackpool Tower, which he acquired in 1998 for £74million.

Philip Beresford, author of the Sunday Times Rich List, compiled the report for the City & Guilds training body.

It reveals that the collective value of the nation's top 25 "craft millionaires" has risen by £1.5 billion in a year - to £4.2billion in 2004.

Jamie Oliver, who took a City & Guilds NVQ in Home Economics, is the youngest on the list and doubled his financial value within the last year, leaping from £10million to £20million. Gordon Ramsay shares 18th place on the list, also with a £20 million fortune.

It has secured him a place in the top 25, ahead of fellow household names comedian Billy Connolly (£12 million) and gardener Alan Titchmarsh (£10million).

Chris Humphries, director-general at City & Guilds, said: "The list belies the myth that obtaining a vocational or apprenticeship qualification provides a career cul-de-sac."