Apprenticeship vs University: Which is right for you?

Choosing your educational pathway requires a lot of thought, and you may be experiencing some confusion about which options are best for you. 

Many people opt for university as their further education choice, but if you’re looking for an alternative to university, an apprenticeship might be the right option for you. 

If you’re considering the options of university vs apprenticeship, this article will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each option, so you can determine which one is right for you.

Are you sure of your career goals?

Being young and deciding on your future career can be difficult and confusing. When deciding on your educational pathway, it is worth considering your personal interests and where you want your career to go.

An apprenticeship can be a great way to enter the field you wish to work in. However, you must be sure of the job you want before starting an apprenticeship as this is known as a ‘vocational qualification’ and will be your ongoing focus.  

A university degree can give you alternative options when you have completed the course, as many employers may value your degree as a qualification that opens doors in other areas. 

For example, a dentistry degree does not limit your career options to dentistry alone. You could opt for a job role with an employer that values STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degrees. Similarly, you aren’t limited to teaching or writing with an English degree, rather, you can seek a career in marketing.

Earn while you learn

Gaining a qualification helps you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs, but some may cost more than others.

When considering the options of apprenticeships vs university, one of the main aspects to consider is the amount of student debt you’ll be in upon completion of your course. 

University has high tuition fees at £9250 a year. Because of the demanding hours needed to study, students can only work part-time jobs to make ends meet. Many students opt for maintenance loans which must be repaid with interest. This means students can leave university with around £50,000 worth of debt.

However, apprenticeships are FREE! The government and your employer contribute to your tuition fees. Not only is the apprenticeship free, but you are also earning a wage throughout your time on the course. 

Because an apprenticeship is treated as full-time employment, you won’t be eligible for any student loans. You will be responsible for funding your lifestyle through your monthly wage. 

Get valuable work experience for your CV

An important factor to consider when deciding on your academic path is to decide which option will give you the job opportunities you need.

University can provide you with great job opportunities, however, some courses may be more preferable by employers than others. Some jobs may require a university degree, especially specialist fields like dentistry, medicine and teaching.

However, if you’re wanting to pursue a vocational subject, an apprenticeship will provide you with the skills, knowledge and work experience you need to get your foot in the door of your dream career. 

An apprenticeship allows you to gain work experience while you gain your qualification. Upon completion, you will not only have a qualification that is valuable to employers, but you also have work experience. If you’re competing for the same job as graduates, an apprenticeship qualification can give you that edge and experience needed to stand out from the crowd. 

An employer will appreciate that you have a qualification AND work experience, whereas university graduates will only have a qualification.

Develop your skills in your field

Apprenticeships are known as vocational qualifications. They have a high focus on developing your skills and knowledge on a certain subject, so you have the skillset to enter the workforce. 

Many university students graduate with no work experience to enter the workforce. They can have a notoriously difficult time finding employment and getting the experience they need. 

Because employers are investing in developing your skills as an apprentice, to make it worth their while, they often employ you after you complete your course. This means you have employment security after completing your qualification.

Gain your qualification and be debt free

Earning money upon completing your course is an important thing to consider. Research shows that university graduates are top earners, but apprenticeship graduates are a close second. 

However, it is worth considering the fact that graduates carry university debt and must repay it over the course of 30 years. Apprentices graduate debt free. Ultimately, both qualifications have a high earning potential.
 

Work in a professional setting with colleagues   

Your time in education is an opportunity to develop lifelong friendship and discover your personal interests with your peers. 

Many university students go to university to experience student life, live away from home, socialise with friends and explore a new city. This can be very appealing; however, social life shouldn’t be the only reason you go to university.

If an apprenticeship is a better academic and career option for you, you should go for this option. Apprentices work full-time in a professional setting, so they aren’t around many peers of a similar age and academic position.

However, as an apprentice, you can still socialise. You can make friends with colleagues, meet friends after work and socialise with people who have similar interests.

Gain your qualification in a shorter time

Most university courses take up to 3 years to complete, however, some courses may last longer, like pharmacy and dentistry. 

The most common type of apprenticeship in the UK is a level 3 qualification, these typically last around a year in length. Higher level apprenticeships may last longer. 

You can complete your level 3 apprenticeship in a year and complete 2 extra years of work experience. In 3 years, you will gain a qualification and 3 years' worth of work experience in the field. This is very appealing to employers.

A qualification at a level that suits you

Apprenticeships are available in many different qualification levels, however, the most common is a level 3 advanced apprenticeship. You can also pursue higher apprenticeships also known as degree apprenticeships; these are level 6.  Honours degrees are level 6 based on the UK qualification level system. 

The value of apprenticeships is primarily based on the experience and skills they provide students, rather than the level of the qualification. If you’re wanting to develop your skills and knowledge in a certain field, and gain hands-on job training, an apprenticeship might be for you.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, view our available apprenticeships and apply today to begin your career.