Need an alternative to university? Read our article for 5 university alternatives that could kickstart your career, including apprenticeships and training courses!
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the value of university education. Some people argue that university is the best way to get a good job and earn a high salary, however not all employers value a degree. There seems to be a growing emphasis on "experience" as a barrier to employment.
If you don't want to go to university, or it's just not an option for you, then there are plenty of uni alternatives that can help you find a rewarding career. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why university is not always the best option, and give you some idea of what you can do instead of university.
Is It Okay to Not Go to University?
Yes, it is okay to not go to university! Throughout your school life, it may seem as though teachers, family, and peers are all encouraging you to take a certain path that you may not necessarily think is the best fit for you. We know the price of going to university often puts off potential students, and the idea of living in debt is a daunting thing to face - particularly at a young age. Plus, 3-4 years on just one course can seem like a massive time investment.
What’s more is that university seldom fulfils the expectations of those attending. Recent statistics show that there are "over 96,000 unemployed graduates each academic year." Research has also shown that an average of 48,548 students each year drop out of their courses.
If you can't get over the negatives, there are plenty of alternatives to university, like apprenticeships and shorter training courses. Although a degree is needed for some jobs, there are plenty of careers (like trade careers) that you can achieve through university alternatives.
What Can I Do Instead of University?
There's lots that you can do instead of university, like get a job, or learn a trade. If you are among the growing number of school leavers and students who feel that university might not be the right choice, read on for 5 alternatives to university that you can do instead.
Some popular alternatives to university are:
1. Do an Apprenticeship
If you’d like an alternative to university that will still help you acquire valuable skills and qualifications, then an apprenticeship might be the best route for you.
Apprenticeships are very good alternatives to university. They give you the opportunity to experience the world of employment while earning a decent wage. In essence, it’s like paid work experience in your chosen field, and one which will greatly increase your employability. Combining valuable work experience and training will give you the necessary skills to start your chosen career path.
There are plenty of apprenticeship opportunities available for those who are looking to learn, particularly in industries like the trades. If you are interested in becoming a plumber, electrician, or gas engineer, then you can get started with an Access Training Apprenticeship.
2. Take a Gap Year
If you’re still undecided about going to university by the time you finish school, there is no need to despair. People don’t always know for sure what it is they want to do, perhaps not until years later. If you're looking for what to do instead or uni, you can always take a break to think about it.
Gap years are an increasingly popular choice for people who want something to do instead of university. Taking time to consider all your available options, give yourself a break from education, and perhaps get some life experience working or travelling can be beneficial to your overall growth. This can be a great uni alternative if you aren't quite sure if you want to continue into higher education or not - it gives you a chance to think things through.
It might also be an opportunity to gain new qualifications in your spare time. Enhancing your personal statement or CV can help to improve your employability. Consider enrolling in some training courses to help you acquire new skills during this break. Staying productive during this break, by learning a skill or trade, will show future employers that you weren't just sitting around for a year. It demonstrates determination and passion.
3. Get a Job
Not everybody is destined for an academic route. And it’s perfectly acceptable to hop off the education train after your GCSEs or A Levels and head straight into the working world. If you aren’t interested in an academic future, but would much rather get your hands stuck in, then that's a totally valid alternative to uni. Some people don't want to go to university at all - and that's okay!
A good option for you could be to cash-in on the qualifications you’ve earnt at your time in school and begin your working life. It can be difficult to start your career with no experience, but it's not impossible. Look for jobs with no experience required, like some customer service roles.
If you're struggling to find work with no qualifications, here's the plan: compromise. You need something that pays, but still helps you achieve qualifications. Consider an "earn while you learn" university alternative. At Access Training, we offer these for Plumbers, Electricians, and Gas Engineers.
4. Study Overseas
Why not combine a gap year with a common university experience and study overseas? If you are excited by the idea of travelling and learning at the same time, this might be the way to go.
With several overseas studying schemes available to students, this uni alternative is increasingly popular. Some employers may even be impressed by seeing oversees study on your CV, due to the independence it demonstrates, which can set you apart from other employees. However, keep in mind that this route can be expensive and will require you to move away from your home, which can be surprisingly difficult. Only choose this university alternative if you are sure it is right for you.
5. Learn a Trade
Not everybody wants to continue down the academic route after school, and the trade industry is an excellent alternative to university.
Tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians and gas engineers are thriving off the skills shortage that's currently plaguing the industry. As a result, studying a trade could result in pretty steady employment for you. With a rapidly rising UK population and huge housing and road developments proposed for the future, tradespeople are likely to see a rewarding career.
With a huge workforce needed to make these developments happen, as well as the maintenance and installation of appliances for years to come, a career as a tradesperson could be the perfect university alternative.
If a career in the trade appeals to you more than going university, take a look at the courses available at Access Training today.
What will you do instead of university?
As we've seen, there are many great university alternatives out there! If you would like to discuss your alternatives to university and what course would best suit your interests, we can help. With the help of our experienced course advisors, we can put you on the right path to a successful, fulfilling career. Talk to us today for more details.
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