Deciding between the benefits of apprenticeships and the benefits of university is difficult...
Deciding between the benefits of apprenticeships and the benefits of university is difficult for people at all stages of their lives, particularly young adults. University offers the opportunity to move away from home, meet new people, and learn a qualification in a subject you are passionate about. Going to university is highly popular in the UK, with over 2.86 million people attending university in 2022/2023.
However, university isn’t the only option available to individuals looking to take the first steps into a new career. What’s more, other options don’t have the same financial burdens that come with university. An increasingly popular alternative is apprenticeships. This earn-as-you-learn option saw over 300,000 people in England start apprenticeships in 2022/2023. But which option is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of apprenticeships vs the benefits of university. We’ll also look into the potential downside of each option to give you a balanced insight to support you in making this life-altering decision. So, let’s jump in and support you in making that crucial decision - University or apprenticeship?
Hands-on Training and Experience - Apprenticeships offer a diverse learning environment that prioritises hands-on experience. Instead of spending all your days in a classroom, apprenticeships offer immediate chances to apply knowledge and utilise skills in real-world scenarios. This approach centred on learning by doing, which enhances practical abilities and instils confidence in one’s capabilities, developing the ability to perform efficiently and effectively.
Earn While You Learn - One of the most popular reasons for doing an apprenticeship is that it removes the expense of traditional education (which we discuss later on), allowing apprentices to earn qualifications alongside gaining practical experience. It also provides the opportunity to earn a wage while acquiring new skills. This holds particular appeal for candidates with living expenses to manage and prefer not to rely on loans to sustain themselves during their studies.
Guaranteed Support - As an apprentice, your employer is legally obligated to guide and assist you throughout your learning journey. This support can be immensely valuable, especially if you’re just entering if you’re just entering the workforce, as it develops professional growth and development. As part of this arrangement, employers must assign you a mentor who can address any issues and oversee your work activities. Additionally, apprentices should expect to receive regular performance evaluations and development feedback.
Career Advancement - An apprenticeship provides an opportunity to advance in your career without returning to formal education. By engaging in an apprenticeship within your industry or even within your current workplace, you can acquire the skills necessary for supervisory roles with greater responsibilities and better compensation. Certain workplaces provide on-the-job training incentives to prepare employees for managerial positions, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the company’s operations, preferences, and leadership methodologies for consistency and increased chances of success.
Boost Employability - Another benefit of apprenticeships is that they effectively enhance employability and job readiness and offer a way to gain valuable business experience. Employers benefit from apprentices with solid professional qualifications and hands-on experience, making you an attractive candidate in the job market. Furthermore, apprentices often find job opportunities after completing their apprenticeship, with the hosting company often eager to retain them within their organisation.
You’ll not Experience University Life - For many people, their time at university is cherished as one of the highlights of young adulthood. Opting for an apprenticeship means diving straight into the workforce, potentially missing out on the lifestyle of being a full-time student.
Narrower Defined Career Path - Due to their structured nature, apprenticeship programmes often equip individuals for a specific career trajectory or even a particular job role. Consequently, they might not offer a diverse array of skills or qualifications transferable to alternative fields or professions.
Initial Lower Pay - Apprenticeships may initially offer lower salaries compared to those of university graduates, which could limit immediate financial options and entail added responsibilities. While some apprenticeships provide higher compensation, conducting thorough research and acknowledging the possibility of lower pay in certain roles is crucial.
Increased Responsibilities - Apprentices frequently encounter heightened work responsibilities as they are tasked with both learning and performing duties simultaneously, which can be demanding and stressful. Juggling work obligations alongside learning commitments can present challenges and may result in burnout or feelings of being overwhelmed.
Increased Independence - For many, especially young adults, deciding to attend university offers increased independence, especially if you live away from home during your studies. For many students, this marks their first time living independently. They become responsible for tasks like cooking, managing finances, and navigating a new city. This newfound independence develops personal growth and forges new connections throughout the university journey.
Skills Development - Employers see transferable skills that can be applied effectively in the workplace. Throughout university, you have the opportunity to develop skills such as communication, organisation, teamwork, and time management. These skills hold significant importance and can seamlessly transition to various work environments.
Build a Professional Network - Developing a robust professional network is a significant advantage of university. Throughout your academic journey, you have the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of people, including fellow students, lecturers, and professionals from different fields. Building these connections opens doors for mentorship, collaborative projects, and job referrals. Furthermore, engaging with professionals and peers allows for the exchange of ideas, insights, and experience.
Enhanced Employability - Through your university, you not only attain a degree highly sought after or necessary by employers but also nurture a spectrum of skills. This can improve your chances of finding and retaining employment. Many degrees provide opportunities you can explore to further enhance your employability, including study abroad programmes, part-time work, societies, and placements.
Explore your Interests - University allows you to explore diverse subjects so you can broaden your knowledge and discover new passions. Engaging with student organisations offers opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, develop skills, and contribute to your community. Furthermore, attending guest lectures and workshops exposes you to different perspectives and emerging trends in your areas of interest.
The Debt is Significant - Arguably, the biggest disadvantage of university is that education costs are widely known to be very high. Unless you have the financial resources to cover your education expenses in advance, you will likely graduate with not only a degree but also substantial debt (currently an average of £45,600). Moreover, there are additional costs to consider, such as accommodation expenses and living costs.
No Guarantee of a Job -A university degree, however valuable, does not guarantee immediate employment due to various factors. Firstly, certain fields may be saturated with graduates, leading to competition and potential underemployment. Additionally, university courses may not always align perfectly with industry demands, necessitating the acquisition of additional skills to enhance employability. The jobs market’s rapid evolution, especially around technology, complicates matters as it requires continuous learning to stay competitive.
Doesn’t Always Provide Practical Skills - While valuable for theoretical knowledge, university education often lacks practical skills necessary for the workplace. This gap arises from limited hands-on learning and a focus on theory over application. The extent of practical skill development varies across courses, with some disciplines offering more experiential learning than others. However, graduates may encounter difficulties in securing employment due to their lack of practical experience, resulting in prolonged job search and the need for additional training.
Highly Time-consuming - University education requires a significant time commitment, with degrees typically taking several years to complete. This lengthy duration can limit flexibility and delay entry into the workforce. Balancing academic responsibilities with personal life can be challenging, leading to stress and potential sacrifices in other areas.
Choosing between university or apprenticeships is a significant decision that affects your career and personal life, and the ‘correct’ choice demands many factors specific to your individual goals and circumstances. Here are some key questions to ask yourself when making this decision:
What is your preferred learning style? Do you prefer a structured classroom environment with theoretical learning, or do you prefer hands-on experience and the practical application of knowledge?
Can you afford the potential debt and the ongoing costs of university, e.g. rent, academic resources, etc? Or would you prefer to earn while you learn and not acquire debt?
Are you ready for the time commitment of university? Or would you prefer the shorter timeframe that typically comes with an apprenticeship?
Would you prefer the independence and flexibility that comes with University? Or a more work-oriented and structured environment, with mentor support, that apprenticeships provide?
What specific career path do you want to pursue? This is vital as answering this question will give you a clearer idea of what route to go down. Researching the typical training requirements and education required for that career is crucial.
Ultimately, the best way to decide between university or apprenticeships is to carefully research each option and consider your aspirations and circumstances. This process will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term career goals and vision for your life ahead.
At Pareto, we have a proven track record of providing digital and sales apprentices designed to support individuals and teams in unlocking their potential. We offer a range of apprenticeships, from sales executives to software developers to operation managers. After reading our guide, if you’ve decided university isn’t right for you, we are ready to support you in finding an apprenticeship that will kick-start your career.
Contact the team today to learn more about our exceptional digital and sales apprenticeships.
