Almost anyone who has been to university will tell you that they had a great time meeting new people from all over the world, becoming independent, regular partying and the subsequent lie-ins, and of course the variety of modules on offer via a course that is intellectually stimulating.
However, for some people a degree just doesn’t cut it. It might be that a degree isn’t going to get you where you want to be in life, or maybe that the cost of university far outweighs the returns and the money would be better off invested elsewhere. If you’re worried that you’re the only one not focused on uni and that maybe you should go just to please your mates, stop these unhelpful thoughts and think about what you could be learning, earning and enjoying this time next year.
There are plenty of options for you as a school leaver to consider. This really is your decision, not the career advisor’s and not your parents (even though they may have a very good track record of being right).
apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide training to 16 – 21 year olds who want to learn practical skills and qualifications whilst earning some money. More employers join the scheme every year and so there are many opportunities in lots of different industry sectors. Employers are also now expected to sign a ‘service level agreement’ so you can ensure that you are receiving a standard quality of training.
As an apprentice you will receive the best form of training there is for your chosen career: on the job training. You will be faced with everyday situations and support should be available to help you find solutions to problems and seek help when you need it. As you receive training and ongoing assessment, you will achieve NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications). These are nationally recognised and are accepted by many employers and academic institutions. Completion of an Apprenticeship puts the apprentice at NVQ level 2. Completing the Advanced Apprenticeship moves you up to NVQ level 3.
Apprentices are also encouraged to improve and add to their Key Skills, These include communication, numeracy, teamwork, problem solving, and IT literacy. Apprentices will find that having skills like these enables them to compete effectively in the labour market – employers will be fighting to get you on their payroll!
An Apprenticeship will usually lead to a Technical Certificate, which focuses on the knowledge and understanding that is required in order to achieve NVQ levels 2 and 3. The Technical Certificate is evidence that the apprentice understands the theory behind their job as well as the practical aspects of it.
There are currently more than 180 Apprenticeships available in more than 80 industry sectors. That’s a huge amount of choice and you’re likely to find something that inspires you. Check out our useful sites page to see where to get more info and how to apply.
start on the bottom rung
If there is a dream job or company that you have always wanted to work for, why not think about applying for a job as an office assistant, a runner or postroom employee? If you show that you’re enthusiastic, hardworking and determined, you have a high chance of being promoted very quickly. By the time your friends are throwing their mortarboards into the air on graduation day, you could be earning enough to be on the property ladder or at least have bought your first car, and you probably won’t (or shouldn’t!) have nearly as much debt.
Statistics suggest that the pay differential between graduates and non-graduates increases as graduates climb the corporate ladder, but as long as you’re willing to work hard there is no reason why this should be the case. You will undoubtedly be given the chance to obtain qualifications and develop yourself at your company and therefore your skills and qualifications should be just as impressive as someone who has been to university. If you choose a career in an area such as accountancy, marketing or even law you will be encouraged to study for professional qualifications. With these under your belt, there may be no stopping you until you’re the head of the organisation!
intensive training courses
If you fancy learning a trade such as plumbing, electrical installation or construction, you might want to consider paying for a short, intensive course. They may be expensive but they teach you what you need to know in a short space of time and may be able to provide contacts for work experience or mentoring.
open university
If the idea of studying for a degree interests you but you don’t want to have to move to a different town or study full-time, you could study with the Open University. This can be expensive but if you’re earning whilst you’re learning you shouldn’t build up too much debt. You may even be able to get your employer to partly fund your degree if it is relevant to your job. If you’re cheeky (and clever) you can ask for a pay rise on completion of your degree!
be your own boss
As the saying goes, ‘you don’t get rich working for someone else’! If you’d rather line your own pockets with gold then you need to ask yourself if you have the qualities required to become an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is very fashionable these days and it almost seems that people consider self-employment to be a nice alternative to full-time work that enables them to get up late, watch their fave daytime TV shows and avoid the commute home. Commuting may become a thing of the past, but the other two are unlikely to happen!
There are certainly several advantages to working for yourself but the stability of a monthly payslip, being able to shut off from work at 5.30pm, and limited responsibility are not some of them. Hard working, tenacious and creative is what you must be (with an emphasis on the first!) to survive in the business world.
However, there is plenty of help out there for young entrepreneurs in the form of advice, grants and investment. Check out our useful sites page for further information. If you’re passionate enough and your business idea is all you can think about, go for it and reap the rewards!
and if it doesn't work out straight away?
If you don’t satisfy all your hopes and ambitions by following the non-university route, don’t panic. Lots of people go to university later in life where they have a great time meeting other mature students and expanding their knowledge. They are usually less worried about finances due to prior planning and a sound awareness of their financial situation.
Also, if you have tried to start your own business and failed, it may be worth giving another idea a go. A true entrepreneur never gives up and constantly devises new innovative business concepts!