Apprenticeships or A-Levels?

A question for you: what will you do after your GCSEs?

Naturally, most students progress onto A-Levels, BTEC Diplomas or T-Levels after their exams, but other options are available to you. More and more of your peers are choosing to do apprenticeships after they finish their GCSEs.

In recent years, the government has invested lots of money and resources in increasing apprenticeship opportunities. There are now thousands of schemes available in a crazy range of sectors.

It’s not an easy decision, but to help you choose the best path, we’ll do the hard work for you and compare apprenticeships and A-Levels.

Jump To:

What are Apprenticeships? What are A-Levels? Apprenticeships vs A-levels: The Benefits Apprenticeships vs A-levels: The Disadvantages What Qualifications Will You Get? Make a Decision

What are apprenticeships?

Designed for 16 to 24-year-olds, apprenticeships combine real work with academic learning. They’re an opportunity to start a career immediately after finishing your GCSEs (or A-Levels).

An apprenticeship is an actual job with a company. It’s full-time Monday to Friday, but you’ll also work towards qualifications alongside your role at a local college or training centre. All the while earning a salary!

You’d apply for an apprenticeship with a company in your chosen sector or industry, so you’d need to know what type of career you’re looking to have in your future.

There are four types of apprenticeships available depending on your existing qualifications. The two we'll focus on are perfect alternatives to sixth form, college or A-Levels:

Level 2 (intermediate) Apprenticeships

For those with at least two GCSEs. You'll need to be age 16 to start.

Level 3 (advanced) Apprenticeships

For those who have five+ GCSEs or a Level 2 Apprenticeship.

What are A-Levels?

A-Levels are qualifications for 16 to 18-year-olds and are the natural next step after GCSEs. A-level students remain in school or college for two more years studying three or four main subjects.

A-Levels are split over two years. In Year 12, you’ll start working towards your final exams and probably have a few mock exams to help you prepare. Year 13 is when all the exams and coursework you do will count towards your final grade.

As you’ll only be studying three or four subjects, you’ll have free time outside your classes. How you spend this time is really dependent on your school.

Most students do A-Levels because they want to go to university, but as you’re about to discover, it’s not the only route to a degree!

Apprenticeships vs A-Levels: The Benefits

Before we get into the hows, whats, and whys… here’s a very quick overview of the benefits of both apprenticeships and A-Levels.

Apprenticeships

Combination of practical, on-the-job learning and classroom learning
Learning from experienced professionals at a company
Earn a salary
Opportunity to work your way up the apprenticeship ladder, even up to degree level (and you don’t have to pay any university or tuition fees)

A-Levels

Similar to GCSEs in style. So, the transition from year 11 to year 12 is smooth
The most traditional path for going to university
You can study the GCSE subjects that you enjoyed and do well in at a more advanced level
A-levels are widely respected and are always included in the entry requirements for universities and jobs

Apprenticeships vs A-Levels: The Disadvantages

It’s also important to know the disadvantages of doing either an apprenticeship or A-levels, so let’s look into this.

Apprenticeships

Choosing an apprenticeship means entering a specific career pathway quite early. So unless you are certain on what you want to do, A-levels may be a better option
You might miss out on the typical sixth form or college experience, so possibly spending less time with peope your age
Potentially lower initial earnings as you won’t have any experience prior to this
Apprenticeships have a structured learning path, which may not allow for the same flexibility and exploration of different academic subjects as A-Levels

A-Levels

As you have to pick multiple subjects, you may be stuck studying things that you don’t want to pursue long-term
Have limited work experience
A lot of independent study
Primarily exam-based assessments so if this isn’t your strong suit A-levels might not be for you

Apprenticeships vs A-Levels: What Qualifications Will I Get?

Let's look at the qualifications you'll receive on completion of an apprenticeship and A-Levels, and where it can lead in the next steps of your career.

Apprenticeships

Level 2 (Intermediate)

A level 2 apprenticeship is good if you didn’t do as well in your GCSEs as you’d hoped. Most employers require you to have only two or more GCSEs (graded 4-9), including English and Maths.

The types of qualifications you could get after completing an intermediate apprenticeship are:

An NVQ level 2
Knowledge-based qualification (such as a BTEC Diploma and Certificate)
Equivalent to five GCSE passes.

These qualifications will differ for each apprenticeship, as each NVQ and knowledge-based qualification will be specific to the sector and job role you’re working in.

Once you’ve completed a level 2 apprenticeship, you can progress up the apprenticeship ladder so you can continue your training and gain more qualifications.

Apprenticeships

Level 3 (Advanced)

Becoming an advanced apprentice is just like going to sixth form or college. You’ll gain qualifications equivalent to A-Levels and be able to progress onto further apprenticeships:

An NVQ level 3
A Knowledge-based qualification (such as a BTEC)
Equivalent to two A Levels

These qualifications will differ for each apprenticeship, as each NVQ and knowledge-based qualification will be specific to the sector and job role you’re working in.

After finishing a level 3 apprenticeship, you’ll be eligible for a higher apprenticeship or even a degree apprenticeship. This means you can get a tuition-free degree while working as an apprentice!

A-levels

If you stay in school after your GCSEs, you’ll work towards A-Level qualifications. Typically, you’ll study four subjects in the first year and continue with three in the second. Or you may do three with an extended project qualification.

You’re graded at A* to E and receive UCAS points depending on your grade for each subject. The UCAS points calculator is the easiest way to determine how many points you can acquire.

Once you’re in Year 13 or your second year at college, it’s decision time: Will you do a degree apprenticeship or go to university?

Do your research and make a decision

I want to start work straight away

If you want to start working straight away, an apprenticeship will be your best friend. It’s an opportunity to learn through practical work and get real experience and qualifications - all at the same time.

On the other hand, studying for A-Levels is probably the best option if you want to stay in school and prefer classroom learning.

Another sixth-form college might offer subjects that your school doesn’t teach. So remember, you can look at other sixth-form colleges, you don’t have to stay in the same school. Plus, a change of scenery is always a bonus.

I’m leaning towards university

If you want to go to university and get a degree, the traditional route is GCSEs, A-Levels or BTEC Diploma, and then university. However, remember that you can still get a degree if you take the apprenticeship path.

Some apprentices progress to the top of the apprenticeship ladder: Level 7 schemes end with a master’s degree!

Yes to A-Levels. No to University

If you decide to go for your A-Levels but don’t particularly fancy university, the opportunity to do an apprenticeship hasn’t passed. You can even do an apprenticeship after university.

If you want to start earning right out of sixth form or college, like an old friend the apprenticeship will always be there.

Whatever path you choose, make sure it’s the best one for you. Don’t just do what other people do, trust yourself!

Good luck!

FIND AN APPRENTICESHIP

We have hundreds of apprenticeships to apply to across all industries, perfect for those looking for an alternative to A-Levels. Search and apply now.