It is tough to determine what to do after graduating from school. Do you go to university and get a degree, or do an apprenticeship and earn money while you learn and what is the difference between apprenticeship and university?
What are the possible topics?
If you opt to attend university, you will have a choice of subjects. However, if you are unsure of what you want to do after graduation, this variety may be advantageous since you may pick a broader topic and leave your options open.
You may be surprised by the range of apprenticeships offered. They are no longer dominated by manual trades such as construction and engineering, but by a wide range of companies such as:
Accounting, human resources, information technology, law, marketing, media, nursing, sales, and transportation.
What will I find out?
The subject you choose to study or train determines the content of your course and apprenticeship. Because each degree programme and apprenticeship will differ, research to discover more about what each involves. When assessing the content of university courses and apprenticeships, be sure that the material and the resulting certificates meet your professional needs.
Despite the growing popularity of vocational degrees, university education is primarily focused on teaching and research. You will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree after learning about your subject via lectures, seminars, and workshops. Then, you’ll go out into the real world to put your knowledge to the test and put what you’ve learned into action.
Apprenticeships appeal to those looking for alternatives to university because they offer a more hands-on learning experience. You’ll focus on preparing for a specific career and honing your skills via on-the-job training. You’ll receive hands-on experience and the opportunity to use your knowledge immediately. After completing your apprenticeship, you will be granted an NVQ, HNC, or HND. In contrast, higher apprenticeships may lead to a foundation degree, and degree apprenticeships may lead to a full honours degree.
What sorts of employment is there?
A university degree allows you to explore a broader range of occupations than an apprenticeship, but both will help you find work.
Apprenticeships are restricted because your training and skills are exclusive to a specific sector or profession. However, an apprenticeship will almost certainly tie you to your employer for several years. If you are clear about your career path, you will be well equipped to take advantage of apprenticeship opportunities.
Remember that certain professions, such as healthcare, business, and science, need a degree.
Other sectors that benefit from the practical, on-the-job training offered by higher and degree apprenticeships include engineering and manufacturing, property and construction, and the media.
Examine our job profiles to discover whether your chosen career requires a university education or an apprenticeship.
How much will it cost you?
Apprenticeships have won this round. If you are under 25, the government and your employer will cover the cost of your training, so you will not be required to pay anything.
On the other hand, a degree will set you back £9,250 per year in tuition fees plus living expenses. You will undoubtedly graduate with student debt, but repayments will not begin until you earn at least £26,576 per year.
How much will I get paid?
If you wish to go to university, you will have to wait until you graduate before you can start working full-time. As an apprentice, you will earn while studying and will be paid the national apprentice minimum wage. The current cost for those between the ages of 16 and 18 is £5.28. This rate also applies to those aged 19 and above in their first year of training.
What about employers?
Employers place great importance on both study methods. University is valued for the breadth of knowledge and transferrable skills, while apprenticeships are valued for their practical nature and opportunities for real-life work experience.
More organisations are offering apprenticeship programmes, as employers view this training as a viable alternative to a university degree. On the other hand, graduates with a university education are in high demand and seem to remain so for the foreseeable future.
If you want to work for a particular company, it may be beneficial to understand what they look for in a candidate.
It’s a tough choice; one option isn’t necessarily preferable to the other. First, examine your current situation – consider your current qualifications, what you want to study, how much money you have, and what you want to achieve in the future.
You might undertake an apprenticeship first, then go to university, or you could get a degree first and then do an apprenticeship.