It’s that time of year again. For you, it’s the first time, but for us who’ve gone through it, or have moved on from that formative part of life, it’s the same old story.
It’s exciting. It’s scary. It’s another step closer to that life you’ve been working your way towards all these year. What am i talking about? Well, of course, it applying for uni. Or the time around it.
That weird time before you’ve even sat your exams where you’re writing applications, going to open days to figure out the vibe. Actually (we hope) studying to get into the uni of your choice. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted.
But what if I told you that maybe, just maybe, the schools and teachers and all of it. They might have an agenda in telling you that the only route you can possibly go, is at least 3 more years of education?
I’m not saying that uni isn’t great. You can learn, develop and grow…but it’s not the unassailable good that many of you are convinced that it is. Here’s a few reasons why.
Money
An obvious one, sure, but stay with me here. An average course costing £8200 to £9000 a year, plus maintenance loans of minimum £3000 (the truth is many people need more, but don’t fulfil the criteria, and so are capped). A three year course will rack up £36000+ in fees.
You’re being told that the only way to get a good job is to “invest now”, and that investment is in the form of a debt to higher education.
Alternatively, you could get paid to learn, on the job, with a company, getting real experience, without all the debt. Not looking too bad now is it.
Follow your own route
Job markets are looking pretty crazy these days right? It’s only becoming more and more competitive. The rise of people doing masters degrees, or in some cases multiple, to stay in the safe and secure environment of higher education before having to brave the big wide world is all too commonplace.
The doorways of the “doors that uni opens” are clogged with people,all with the same degree and qualifications.Very few of which have genuine, actionable experience.
There are now numerous pathways into careers and industries that were typically only available to those following the uni route.Apprenticeships are at the forefront of this. You’ll even, in many respects,have an advantage, with genuine, tried and tested experience. These days, you can’t put a price on that.
Learning your craft. Really Learning
From regular 1-2-1 catch ups with your tutor, cohort based learning, to intensive boot camps giving you in depth insights into key areas and skill sets, all contribute valuable understanding and experience to your personal development.
Compared with impersonal lectures, reading off of slides, and professors that are too inundated to give proper individual support to their hundreds of students, apprenticeship coaches are able to tailor individual support, and help you stay on track to getting the very best out of your time on the course.
Your foot in the door
While not every employer is going to embody the sort of social culture that you’re looking for, a great many do, from work outings, to after work socials, you’ll have the opportunity to meet, and make friends with people from various backgrounds, cultures and stages of life. From newbies like you, to the veterans in their field who you can learn from.
One of the most regularly touted benefits of University life is the social aspect.The difference here is that, instead of (mostly) just drinking, you can develop your social skills in truly positive environments, and help you hone a sense of maturity and personal responsibility. Anyone can get drunk and chat rubbish. How many can put their best foot forward in a room full of professional, like minded individuals, and create a lasting impression. That comes with practice. Already being where uni goers are going to take another 3 years to even glance at, that’s a solid headstart.
So, if you feel like you want to buck the trend, and do something intuitive to your chosen career path, you really should be considering an apprenticeship. Get involved today!
