Different pathways in higher education can lead to the same place...providing that you are aware of the end goal for your career. You need to find the best way for you to get there, whether that be through an apprenticeship, straight into work at entry-level, or through a traditional university degree programme.Apprenticeships are not an ‘easy option’There are many myths surrounding apprenticeships, one being that they are the easy option after school. The truth is that the route you take should be based on your personal preference in terms of learning methods. An apprenticeship entails a high volume of work as you are balancing a full-time job role with a full-time qualification, whether that be anywhere from GCSE level (Level 2) to Master’s level (Level 7). This takes a great deal of time management to ensure that deadlines are met for both the training provider and the workplace.In the case of degree apprenticeships, this combines a full-time degree programme with a full-time job role. This combination of academic knowledge and practical application allows the extensive comprehension of the subject studied at degree level and how it transfers into the workplace. Whilst in a degree programme, you require initiative to gain work experience through internships and placements, the degree apprenticeship guarantees 3 to 6 years of work experience in an organisationApprenticeships can now be obtained in many subjects that they might not have been able to before. There are currently apprenticeships available in the following sectors:
Accountancy, banking, and finance
Business, consulting and management
Charity and voluntary work
Creative arts and design
Energy and utilities
Engineering and manufacturing
Environment and agriculture
Healthcare
Hospitality and events management
Information technology
Law
Law enforcement and security
Leisure, sport and tourism
Marketing, advertising, and PR
Media and internet
Property and construction
Public services and administration
Recruitment and HR
Retail
Sales
Science and pharmaceuticals
Social care
Teacher training and education
Transport and logistics
These do vary depending on the level of apprenticeship you choose to complete. For example, at level 6 and 7, there are fewer apprenticeship standards available than at level 3. Work your way upLots of companies have school leaver programmes which allow people to leave school and go straight into full-time employment. This is a route that allows you to work your way up in a small or larger organisation to progress professionally down a specific career path in a specific industry.Traditional University RouteA traditional university route might be the most suitable option for someone aiming to study a subject in-depth, allowing them to become a specialist in that area. There is a vast range of university degrees to choose from and arguably it offers the opportunity to get involved with lots of social activities too; going out mid-week until the early hours is not encouraged with a full-time job or apprenticeship role as you’ll have work the next day! A traditional degree programme also gives you the chance to sustain other commitments or hobbies because you will have more time to focus on extracurricular activities that you might like to pursue.A degree gives you the chance to study a subject that you enjoy and learn about it in-depth, so is a great option if you’d like to become a subject expert.Leading to the same placeThe truth is, unless you are looking to go into a very specialised role, you could still get to the same place with a degree, degree apprenticeship, or an apprenticeship. You can now match qualifications like for like and either follow a traditional academic pathway or go down a more practical learning route.It’s all down to you as a learner and the questions you need to ask yourself to see what pathway might best suit your wants and needs.For more information about Pearson Business School’s degrees or degree apprenticeship programmes, visit pearsoncollegelondon.ac.uk.
