If your career choice dictates the need for a university degree for example a teacher, doctor or other professional then you have limited choice open to you and will have to account for the huge cost of going to university but if the field you want to work in does not require degree level qualifications it may be better to do an apprenticeship instead. The attraction of being able to earn while you are training is making apprenticeships in all fields more popular as school leavers want to begin their career as soon as they leave school rather than spend a further three years in the classroom.

Apprenticeships start from the age of sixteen but can be taken up to and beyond twenty-four years of age. They usually last at least twelve months and comprise of practical work alongside experienced colleagues and either time spent at college or online learning. One plus side to doing an apprenticeship is that some companies are willing to take on apprentices after their training period has finished because the company know the capabilities, reliability and the training that person has received and so they can be confident that they have the right person for the job.

On average those workers who have undertaken an apprenticeship earn potentially more over their working life than someone who has not so it should certainly be considered and compared to the route of A levels then university. So, whether you are considering a new career, want to upskill or simply want that first job an apprenticeship is worth considering.