University is deemed a fun, unforgettable experience, so much so that a lot of young people choose it for this very reason. More recently, apprenticeships have intrigued many students and adults today, and I am wondering if it could be the same. The short answer is, no, it’s not the same. But here’s why:
Apprenticeships are a pathway that enables students to work and study at the same time. You study towards a fully paid qualification, in my case, a degree, and also work to network and gain experience and knowledge in the company.
This is definitely not the same as a university, but in an employer’s opinion – it’s better. As an apprentice, you learn key skills such as time management and responsibility due to balancing your professional life with your student life. In my case, I study for a degree just like any other university student.
The biggest misconception is that apprentices miss out on the university experience. This is not the case when you are smart with your time; many apprentices would agree with me when I say we can really balance everything. It’s difficult at first, but when you start a career as young as I did, it is likely that you will have plenty of friends at university.
This means I can visit them whenever I please and go out socially just as much as they do. If anything, being a paid degree apprentice in London gives me more financial freedom to enjoy social events and getaways whilst saving money living at home.
This brings me to a crucial point. One part of the university experience that an apprentice could miss out on is living in halls/accommodations with new friends. The bright side is that some apprentices do become friends at work and decide to live together, although it’s not the most common thing.
A few apprentices I know even live alone, but when you work in London, from personal experience, it’s best to save those coins until you have some money saved up. So, if you’re anything like me, where living at home isn’t much of a problem, then apprenticeships could definitely work out great for you.
As an apprentice, you may miss out on some of the traditional aspects of university life including:
Apprenticeships are often completed in a workplace setting, so you may not have access to the same resources, events, and social experiences that are commonly found on university campuses.
As an apprentice, you may not have the same opportunities to participate in student organizations and clubs, which can be a great way to build connections, develop leadership skills, and explore interests outside of your academic or professional pursuits.
University experiences often include a range of social events, such as parties, concerts, and sporting events. Apprenticeships typically do not include these types of activities.
Apprenticeships tend to be highly focused on a specific trade or skill, and may not include the broader, liberal arts education that is a key part of many university programs.
Apprenticeships typically involve working with a more experienced professional or mentor, and may not provide as much opportunity to interact with peers and form relationships with classmates.
Overall, university and apprenticeships are both great experiences, but the stigma of apprenticeships being seen as ‘missing out on the university experience’ is completely untrue. Don’t let such a minor misconception make you disregard apprenticeships, as they are such a great opportunity in the time that we live in today.
Apprenticeships offer additional benefits such as job security, real-world experience with relevant employers and shorter timescales when seeking qualifications compared to full-time programs. You also have far greater freedom of choice when it comes to selecting your preferred location or field of study.
Yes - many apprenticeships include structured learning experiences such as work placements, mentorships or short courses, which can provide you with similar opportunities to those gained through attending university. Depending on your chosen industry, these could take place either at a college or university or even within the workplace itself.
Yes - due to the fact that most apprenticeships involve paying you as well as providing access to additional support such as mentorships, travel expenses and accommodation costs, they can often be more financially viable than studying at university. Apprentices also have the potential to gain higher wages compared to traditional students over time due to their increasing skill set.
