ThisandThat

University degrees are typically aforded a dgree of respect based on the prestige of the qualification or institution studied at. Apprenticeships are often overlooked as many believe that a University Degree will lead to a greater salary. Is this really the case? Especially when you take into consideration, the masses of student debt incurred by degrees while young people of the same age are being paid to earn while they learn.

As National Apprenticeship Week comes to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on the value of a degree in today’s job market. Has the value of a degree gone down? Are there alternative routes that can provide the same or even better opportunities than a traditional university education?

National Apprenticeship Week (Monday 5 February 2024 to Sunday 11 February 2024) is an annual celebration of apprenticeships and their benefits. It aims to raise awareness of the many advantages that apprenticeships offer to individuals and businesses alike.

In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of apprenticeships and alternative routes to help you make an informed decision about your future.

My Experience

When I was preparing to leave school, the only advice I received was to undertake a degree at university. No one suggested an apprenticeship as an option. Perhaps I didn’t show an interest in the right subject, or the school didn’t have adequate knowledge or resources.

In fairness, university was one of the best experiences of my life. I made lifelong friends, spent a semester in sunny Spain, and most importantly, I learned what I was capable of academically.

However, I now have student debt, and I entered the workplace years behind my brother who, while only a year older than me, decided to begin working in a construction trade following school. In fact, he actually left school earlier than I did. Due to lack of direction, I stayed on to sixth year with no clear plan for my future.

I don’t regret the path I’ve taken as I have learned a lot of specific and transferable skills which have been beyond helpful in my current career. However, I can’t help but wonder, what if? What routes are there? How long does each route take? What types of jobs are available?

Apprenticeships

University is not the only route to getting a degree. Level 4 higher apprenticeships offer the equivalent of a first-year degree qualification or Higher National Certificate (HNC), level 5 are equivalent to a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND), while a Level 6 degree apprenticeship offers the equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Anyone can apply for an apprenticeship as long as they are over 16 years old, not in full-time education, and living in the UK.

Apprenticeships are designed to offer practical vocational training in a specific industry or trade. With apprenticeships, you can earn while you learn, gain experience while learning, and have access to knowledgeable people with practical experience. Additionally, you will receive a nationally recognised qualification and may have the opportunity to specialise faster. However, apprenticeships offer a restricted range of jobs and may have low initial pay.

If you are someone who is looking for an efficient way to gain hands-on experience while also earning professional recognition, then chartership might be the perfect option for you. With chartership, you can benefit from the practical learning style of an apprenticeship while also obtaining the prestigious qualifications that often come with a degree.

Moreover, some apprenticeships offer memberships and recognised qualifications that can greatly benefit your career. For instance, if you are interested in becoming a quantity surveyor, you can pursue a RICS QS apprenticeship that comes with a membership and a qualification, such as MRICS. By obtaining these recognised qualifications, you can set yourself apart from the competition and increase your chances of success.

Typical charterships you could achieve following an apprenticeship include: RICS Surveying Apprenticeship, ICE Chartership, ICAEW Apprenticeships.

So, if you want to get ahead in your career, consider chartership and apprenticeship as a viable option. It’s an excellent way to gain practical experience while also earning professional recognition that can help you reach your goals.

Degrees

Degrees, such as an MSc, BA, or BSc, are offered in a range of subjects, including Architecture, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Planning, and Project Management. However, these same subjects can also be covered by an apprenticeship and working your way up.

Degrees provide an independent lifestyle, social experience, and a level of recognition and prestige (particularly for professional roles). On the other hand, degrees can be expensive and leave you with significant debt, with no guarantee of a high salary career at the end. Additionally, there is an overabundance of degree holders in the job market, with the percentage of degree holders rising from 15% in the 80s to 40% currently, making it no longer a unique selling point.

BTECH / HNC / HND

If you’re looking for a way to bridge the gap between university and school, or if you’re uncertain about committing to a full degree qualification, then BTECH/HNC/HND qualifications might be the perfect solution for you.

These qualifications can lead to second and third-year study, or be used as standalone qualifications in their own right. They can offer a great way to test the waters of a particular subject and find out if you enjoy it enough to pursue it further. The best part is that this level of qualification is so diverse that it can be used to apply to second or third-year of a wide range of degree subjects.

So, if you’re looking for a way to gain valuable skills and knowledge, while also keeping your options open, then BTECH/HNC/HND qualifications are definitely worth considering.

Degree Apprenticeships

Are you tired of the traditional university route? Are you looking for a more practical and hands-on approach to learning? Look no further than degree apprenticeships! These apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to combine full-time work with studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree at university or college. Not only will you gain valuable work experience, but you’ll also be filling skills gaps in the workforce. And the best part? You’ll be effectively getting paid to learn! With degree apprenticeship opportunities available in a wide variety of roles throughout England, Scotland, and Wales, there’s never been a better time to explore this exciting alternative to traditional degrees. Don’t miss out on this chance to jumpstart your career and gain a competitive edge in the job market (GoConstruct, 2023).

Which do employers prefer?

If you’re a student, you might be wondering about the best path to take after high school. While universities are great for providing in-depth knowledge and transferable skills, there is another option that is gaining more and more recognition – apprenticeships. In fact, according to a recent poll carried out by YouGov, 84% of parents believe that apprenticeships in construction trades are better value than a university degree (CIOB People, 2023).

The construction trade, specifically, is currently experiencing a skills shortage, and apprenticeships offer a practical solution to this issue. Not only do apprenticeships provide real-life work experience opportunities, but they also offer a chance to learn on-the-job from experienced professionals (Prospects, 2023).

So, if you’re looking for a career in the construction industry, an apprenticeship may be the perfect choice for you. Not only will you gain valuable skills and experience, but you’ll also be able to avoid the high costs of university tuition. Plus, with the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, you’ll have great job prospects once you complete your apprenticeship. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – consider an apprenticeship today!

Money, Money, Money

While a high salary does not necessarily mean career happiness, many of you may be reading this with little else in mind. The following timelines are for you. (NB: The information used to create these timelines is based on UK averages and may not apply to your individual situation).

If salary is your primary concern, you may be best researching which industry or trade has the highest earning potential and comparing the two. Also, bear in mind that the sooner you are earning the sooner you are contributing to your pension. This may not seem important at the start of your career but ten years from now you may wish you had the comfort of knowing you have one started. Many workers seem to count down the days to retirement.

Tips for Finding Opportunities and Making Informed Decisions

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to both apprenticeships and degrees. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for you. We recommend researching all available routes and speaking to professionals in the field to make an informed decision.

If you’re interested in pursuing an apprenticeship or degree, there are many ways to search and apply for opportunities. You could look on websites like Talentview, TotalJobs, Indeed, or the government’s apprenticeship service. You will be able to apply for apprenticeships by uploading your CV or applying directly to the employer.

If you’re interested in applying for a university course, you can apply via UCAS, which offers tips on applying for funding, writing your personal statement, and student life in general. In addition, if you have course-specific questions, get in touch with the universities that you are interested in applying to. They’ll be happy to assist you. I strongly recommend doing this sooner rather than later as, during busy periods, you may wait longer for a response.

Whether you choose to pursue an apprenticeship or degree, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each option to make an informed decision about your future.