1. 1. Apprenticeship vs Degree
2. 2. If you are nearing the end of your secondary education you will shortly be facing the dilemma of what to do next? You may already have a particular career in mind that will require a university education, or perhaps an apprenticeship would be a better route to take.
3. 3. One thing is certain; the decision you make at this point in your life will directly affect your career prospects and future earnings potential.
4. 4. What do you want to do?
5. 5. Before you start researching your options, you need to decide on the area in which you want to work. There are some careers, such as medicine, that will require a degree. However, in other areas for example, accountancy both routes are available.
6. 6. Financial circumstances
7. 7. Finances are a big factor when making a decision on your future. With an apprenticeship, youll be paid a wage while youre working, and the employer will pay any training costs. If you choose to follow a degree course, you will incur tuition fees and have to cover your living costs.
8. 8. There is some financial help available to students, and many choose to have a part-time job as well. However, most students need a student loan and that amount is substantial. The loan is then paid back over many years when the graduate is working.
9. 9. How do you like to work?
10. 10. An apprenticeship will have more practical elements than a degree, and there will be more time spent on the job than in the classroom.
11. 11. A degree course has fewer practical requirements and most of your time will be spent on class-based learning.
12. 12. The social aspect
13. 13. For many students, a main draw of university is the social side and the chance to move away from home. Doing so enables you to meet new friends and to socialise, while studying for your degree.
14. 14. How motivated are you?
15. 15. Young people on an apprenticeship have a set working routine every week while university work requires a high degree of self-discipline and motivation, as a lot of the work is done in your own time.
16. 16. Each of these choices has its advantages and to some extent the choice of which to pursue will be dictated by the career you aspire to.
17. 17. Good luck! FindMyDreamJob.co.uk