Choosing whether to go to university or to do an apprenticeship is a hard decision. There are many factors to consider, such as the career path you want to go on and what you want to get out of the experience.
In this article, we’ll explain what universities and apprenticeships are, and which one is best suited to you.
What does going to university involve?
When you go to university, you will study for an undergraduate degree for 3 to 4 years. Depending on how far the campus is from where you live, you may stay in accommodation.
As a student, you’ll attend lectures, seminars and practical tutorial sessions. You’ll also complete assignments and sit exams. How much of these you'll do depends on your degree.
University is great if you want to study a particular area for a few years before entering the workplace. You’ll also have the chance to make new friends and discover what career you want to pursue after completing your degree.
You can find out more about university here.
What do apprenticeships involve?
Completing an apprenticeship involves working a job alongside experienced employees, as well as a small amount of classroom time. You will be paid at least £7.55 per hour in your first year, with the amount you earn increasing after that.
There are a wide variety of companies that offer apprenticeships, including BT, Tesco, M&S, the NHS, the Royal Navy and Transport for London.
Apprenticeships are great if you want to gain work experience and learn whilst being paid. Depending on the scheme's size, you’ll also meet other like-minded apprentices and people who work in the same field.
To learn more about apprenticeships and how you can get one, click here.
A potential alternative: degree apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships combine the best aspects of both university and apprenticeships. You’ll be studying towards an undergraduate degree and gain real-world work experience. You also won't have to make any student loan repayments after you graduate.
Many of the companies mentioned that offer apprenticeships offer degree apprenticeships too!
Click here to learn more about degree apprenticeships.
Which one is best for you?
It depends what you want to get out of the experience and the field you want to go into.
If you want to start earning and gain some work experience in your chosen field, starting an apprenticeship is the best option for you.
On the other hand, if you want to study your chosen subject, meet new people and enjoy the university experience for a few years, going to university.
Some careers require (or heavily encourage) you to have a university degree. For example, if you want to become a doctor or a lawyer, you need to have a degree.
But if you want to do something more hands-on, like a plumber or an electrician, an apprenticeship will be more beneficial.
What is important when deciding is to make sure that whichever option you choose is right for you, and not because of peer pressure or other external factors.