Beyond A-Levels — An alternative to University

Thousands of students across the country will soon experience the dramatic highs and lows of A-Level results. Right now, it might be hard to see past university, but it’s not your only option and there are other paths to pursue your career!

An Apprenticeship shouldn’t be thought of as something you do just because you’re not going to university. It’s not a glorified internship; it’s a real job where you get real training and experience that will give you a solid advantage in the job market.

They are already an incredibly popular and viable alternative to university. More than a third of A-Level students in London are considering an apprenticeship instead of university, a poll by British Gas found.

Also, 15% said they would be more likely to get a higher paid job if they secured an Apprenticeship instead of a university degree.

"As this survey shows, school leavers are rightly considering an apprenticeship as a serious option when deciding their future. With over 1.8 million starts since 2010, and our reforms to improve their rigour and quality, apprenticeships are now a respected and rewarding route into the world of work," states Skills Minister Nick Boles.

If you live in England, are 16 or older, and not in full-time education, you can apply to be an apprentice. The more you know about it, the better your decision will be. Just consider this:

You’ll be earning money, not losing it.

Those who start university this year could get stuck with more than £44,000 of debt by the time they graduate in 2017.

What’s more, researchers predict that the majority of university students will still be paying back their loans well into their fifties.

Getting stuck with a debt that could follow you into middle age isn’t a rite of passage. It’s not necessary to invest so much to pursue your chosen career!

The phrase ‘earn while you learn’ has become a buzzword but it really does hold true for Apprenticeships. Get employed within a company and you’ll be a valued member of staff.

Get paid on average £170 per week and start earning the day you start. Plus, you won’t need to pay those much-hated tuition fees. In fact, as your skills develop, your pay will increase accordingly.

Practical, hands-on, and relevant

By working alongside experienced industry professionals, you’ll pick up first-hand job and workplace skills that just can’t be taught at university. Employers across the country value Apprenticeships because they prove you can work effectively within a professional environment.

"Throughout my career, some of my best hires have been people who have bypassed the traditional route of university and learned their skills through apprenticeship schemes or alternative education courses," Peter Jones, Dragons Den entrepreneur, told The Guardian in July 2012.

And it’s not just first-hand experience that will showcase your skills—you’ll be able to back it up with industry recognised qualifications and training worth up to £10,000.

Stay employed

The vast majority of university students have to search for a job once they graduate. But, a recent survey shows that 83% of apprentices still work for their employer a year after their course finishes. Plus, 42% had even received a promotion after completing their apprenticeship.

Susan Hooper, Managing Director at British Gas, explains, "Just last year we recruited 900 young people...you could call this the age of the apprenticeship!"

"Many of our apprentices have long careers with the company, often moving into management positions," Susan added.

Apprenticeships—A brilliant alternative to University

Enter your chosen career 3 years faster and £44,000 cheaper with Digital Apprenticeships taught by Firebrand Training. Check out our latest Apprenticeship vacancies.