An apprenticeship may not always seem like the most obvious route for further study but, they offer great alternatives to university and college. Here are some reasons why:
Money money money
- You can earn some cash straight away
- An apprentice under 19 or in their first year is entitled to £3.70 an hour and most employers pay more. After that it’s national minimum wage for your age group
- Whilst this may not seem like a lot to start with, bear in mind that you’re not fully qualified yet and as you grow in experience, your pay increases accordingly
- Apprentices also receive the same benefits as other employees such as pension contributions and leisure facilities
Work experience
- Since apprenticeships are designed with the help of employers, you’ll have a head start most other students won’t have – work experience
- You’ll learn from experienced professionals on the job and also be trained externally at a college or specialist organisation
- Practical and relevant experience is what most employers look for on your CV. These skills are also often transferable to other sectors
Get a qualification
- Just because you’re not going to college or university doesn’t mean you won’t get something to show for it. With most apprenticeships you’ll get a nationally recognised qualification at the end
- These qualifications cover a wide range of roles – 1500 job roles across more than 170 industries
Get a head start
- Many apprenticeships will impress and enable you to gain a full time position within the company
- Employers will also often pay for you to continue your studies while you’re working even after your apprenticeship is over
- Having a position so early in your career gives you a big head start on those who won’t have even graduated from university yet – you’ll potentially have years of industry experience before they have even finished
No debt
- The biggest difference between an apprenticeship and university is the debt that comes with university study
- An apprenticeship doesn’t come with that burden so you’ll have more money to play with
- Your employer actually pays you to gain a qualification
Finally…
- Whatever you decide to do, remember to take your time and seek advice from initiatives like
@notgoingtouni and@NationalCareers - Doing what’s right for you is the most important thing
