Apprenticeships VS university! A popular question. The number of people choosing to do higher apprenticeships, over going to university, has risen by 1.9% since 2020. What is the reason for this? The purpose of this blog is not to sway or convince you, rather inform you of both sides and benefits and drawbacks of both options.
University – benefits and drawbacks
First off, university. A popular choice of many, for various reasons, such as: first time moving out of home and experiencing freedom, wanting to follow a career path that needs a degree, developing new skills, confidence or friends, or even family expectations. In cases where you aspire to be a doctor, surgeon, vet, dentist, or any high skill and high education jobs, of course, university is a great option for you to follow your path!
If you are a reader who went to university ; what was was your reason for going?
Whilst all of the above listed are benefits, there are some drawbacks associated with going to uni. Firstly, the debt. The current cost to go to university for 3 years in the UK is £9,250. With most courses being 3 years +, that’s a minimum of £27,750. This doesn’t include student loan, which is lent to students to help them survive and live during their course – but the amount of this differs for everyone.
Secondly, only half of graduates follow the path that they thought they wanted to take when they first started their degree. Whilst a degree can help in many jobs, even if it is unrelated, it may feel like a waste of time (and money!). You may not have even needed that degree at all, and experience (whilst earning) may have benefitted you better.
Lastly, lack of employability skills. As previously mentioned, if you choose to enter a career path different to what you chose to study in university, you may lack work experience. If you were compared with an apprentice, who may not have a degree but has been working and gained experience within the job, you may be less favored.
Apprenticeships: benefits and drawbacks
Now, lets talk about apprenticeships. There are apprenticeships of all levels – from GCSE to Higher Degree apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are paid, whilst you work and gain a qualification.
An obvious benefit of doing an apprenticeship is that there’s no debt! You leave with a qualification, and nothing to pay back. Or not, because lots of employers offer full time jobs after!
Secondly, you gain a qualification! That is always a bonus, and you can always move up to the next level apprenticeship. This is great to add to your CV, too.
Apprenticeships can be difficult to get. Lots of research should be done beforehand, to gain knowledge on the company and attend interviews prepared, to get the best chance. You may benefit from our other blogs on our page, which give top tips.
It’s also possible to do both. Apprenticeships are for all ages! Some people may go to university, and later pick up an apprenticeship.
Thank you for reading.
