By now, you've probably heard a lot about apprenticeships. They are picking up momentum as a credible alternative to universities, and more teachers are now recommending them. However, there's still a lot to uncover.
In the course of researching my latest book, "Is Going to Uni Worth it", I spent almost three years speaking to a variety of people who had pursued apprenticeships or university degrees, as well as individuals who took both routes or who chose to do something completely different. As a graduate myself, I was most surprised by how many potential apprenticeships are offered.
Even though I took a traditional path, here are four examples of overlooked factors about apprenticeships that made me raise the question: is going to uni worth it?
An apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. It is a collaborative effort between an employer, an individual seeking to learn a trade or skill, and often a trade or industry organisation.
Apprentices work alongside experienced professionals, receiving hands-on training and mentorship in their chosen fields. Apprenticeships typically last between one and four years and are available in a wide range of industries, including construction, healthcare, finance, IT, and more.
Apprentices are paid while they learn, and as they progress through their training, their pay can increase significantly. Apprenticeships provide individuals with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers, making them valuable investments in one's future success.
Apprenticeships used to be wrongly associated with low-skill and low-paid work. These perceptions are now reversing, and rightly so. This is because apprenticeships often do a better job than the university at teaching valuable practical skills, many of which open the doors to exceptional incomes.
For example, a Level 6 apprenticeship in project management can lead to annual earnings of £50,000+ after qualification and entry into the Association for Project Management. This path usually takes three to four years of training and work experience.
Other high-skill careers that are accessible via the apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship route and which can lead to annual earnings of £50,000+ after qualification include clinical scientist, chartered surveyor, software engineer, and management consultant.
While going to university means taking on student debt that's paid off over many years, the decision to pursue a degree also includes forgoing the potential to earn a full-time salary while studying.
In contrast, apprentices get ahead right away in terms of earnings. According to an analysis by MailOnline, apprentices are, on average, £50,000 better off after three years of training versus the average graduate.
That said, the reality of financial success is more nuanced than this analysis suggests. While some apprentices go on to do well in the long term, there are graduates who do even better, such as those who study medicine, economics, and engineering.
Many people associate apprenticeships only with the trades, such as construction, plumbing, and electrical work. However, apprenticeships can be found in a wide range of industries, from healthcare to finance, IT, fashion, and more.
In the healthcare industry, for example, apprentices can train as medical or dental assistants, or in IT as network administrators or software developers. The opportunities for career advancement through apprenticeships are not limited to just a few fields, and they can provide individuals with the skills and hands-on training needed to succeed in many different careers.
By recognizing the versatility of apprenticeships, people can expand their understanding of this valuable training option and explore new avenues for career growth and development.
Even though almost half of the young people choose to get a degree, most people don't actually believe that university is better preparation for the future than an apprenticeship.
In a survey conducted by YouGov and on behalf of The Times, there were seven times more people who believed that an apprenticeship was the best preparation for the future than there were people who believed that university did a better job.
More specifically, only 6% of people thought that university was the best preparation for the future, while 42% believed an apprenticeship did a better job.
Apprenticeships are open to a wider group of individuals than most people realise. You don't have to be a recent school leaver to join a training programme where you can learn and earn at the same time.
In fact, the largest age group of new apprentices over the last few years has been the 25+ age category. In the academic year of 2020/21, around 20% of new apprentices were under the age of 19; 29% were aged 19-24, and 50% were aged 25 or older, according to data from the UK government.
These figures are not surprising. As the nature of work changes due to technology, the economy, and other factors, there will be more adults (some of whom already have degrees even) that choose to retrain and embark on new career challenges. In those instances, an apprenticeship is likely to be more effective than a university at equipping people with new skills.
Read more on this topic from Michael Tefula in his brand-new book about Is Going to Uni Worth It?
Many apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn college credits, making them a valuable pathway to higher education. In some cases, apprenticeships can even be combined with college degree programs, providing individuals with both on-the-job training and a higher education degree.
This allows apprentices to gain practical experience in their field of study while also developing a theoretical understanding through coursework. This combination of hands-on training and classroom education can be a powerful tool for individuals looking to advance their careers and increase their earning potential.
Additionally, by participating in an apprenticeship and earning college credits, individuals can save money on their overall education expenses and reduce their student loan debt.
Apprentices are paid while they learn, making apprenticeships an attractive option for individuals who want to start earning a wage right away. As apprentices progress through their training, their pay can increase significantly, often exceeding minimum wage.
This means that apprenticeships can provide a financially viable alternative to traditional college education, which can be expensive and leave graduates with significant debt. Furthermore, apprenticeships often include benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off, providing apprentices with a comprehensive compensation package.
In addition, by participating in an apprenticeship, individuals can gain valuable work experience and build a solid foundation for their future careers, making them more attractive to employers and increasing their earning potential.
Many apprentices go on to become journey workers, supervisors, or managers, and they enjoy advancement opportunities within their fields. Because apprenticeships provide hands-on training from experienced professionals, apprentices are able to develop a wide range of skills that are highly valued by employers.
As a result, they are well-prepared to succeed in their careers and can have a competitive edge over those who have only received classroom education. Additionally, because apprenticeships are backed by the government in many countries, employers are often more likely to invest in the training and development of apprentices, leading to better job prospects and increased earning potential over time.
No. Apprenticeships can be taken up by people of all ages, so long as they are eligible to work in the UK and have not already achieved a relevant qualification.
Yes, all apprentices must receive at least the minimum wage for their age group. You may also receive additional allowances for overtime or other supplementary work. To know more about it, you can read about the benefits of apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships are typically 18 months long but there is some variation from one sector to another. Some will be shorter or longer than this depending on the complexity of the job role and training involved.
It is possible to take a break from your apprenticeship if necessary, although there are certain rules that apply - for example, lengths of breaks and types of leave allowed. Speak to your apprentice employer about what options are available.
