Apprenticeships vs going to University

Leaving school/college can be a very scary time for many young people, especially if you’re not sure what your next steps are. In this article, I want to gather up some pros and cons of both the choices.

So let’s cut to the chase of what an apprenticeship is…

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a practical way of learning: it combines both work and study. ‘You earn while you learn’ is how some people describe it. So whilst gaining hands-on experience in an area of your choice you also earn a wage.

Who is it for?

Apprenticeships are typically targetted towards 16-18-year-olds (as this is once they’ve not long left school.) That being said, you can do an apprenticeship if you’re much older than that age bracket too. Most apprenticeships require you to have certain qualifications e.g a C or above in Maths and English. But it totally depends and varies.

So why do people hesitate between the two?

University seems to be the more traditional route: older family members who, perhaps don’t have much awareness of this route, may have the tendency to view it as inferior. However, they both their downsides.

The Social side of University

Whilst being at university, you have the opportunity to interact with those of similar ages with various different personalities. It can help you gain social awareness of the different types of people there are whilst also improving on your interactions and confidence

The financial side of apprenticeships

Rather than drowning in student debt that the university can often leave you with, apprenticeships actually enable you to earn a wage. Although this tends to only be minimum wage, particularly when you are younger, this can seem so valuable and exciting.

The independence of being at university

With an apprenticeship, there is a chance you may go home and have a lovely home cooked meal ready for you. You may be used to having a strong network of people surrounding you of whom you know you can always rely on. However, the university can feel as though you’ve been thrown in at the deep end; you’re surrounded by strangers whom you may feel pressured to get along with, you’re managing finances on your own. Its a tough battle but it sure does teach you a lot.

Apprenticeships open doors to practical learning

Some people simply aren’t made for the classic classroom/textbook approach of learning. And sometimes staring at a textbook for hours can only leave you with a headache with no practical implications afterwards. We’re all different. So perhaps apprenticeships would be a good option for those who are simply sick of the classroom and patronising teachers.

Decisions are tricky

Right now, you may be at a confusing point in your life. Decisions are tricky for anyone of any age. But when your so young and you are confronted with seemingly scary choices, it can be very hard to deal with. Amongst all the confusing stress that comes your way, it’s important to know that whatever you decide will be for the best. And that everything will be okay.