Taking a different route

Why choosing a different route isn’t ‘falling behind’

There’s a lot of pressure around university, and it can feel like everyone else has it all figured out.

The truth is, no one really does. Less than half of 18-year-olds are choosing further education, so choosing to do an apprenticeship may be your best decision yet.

Looking at an apprenticeship or alternative route doesn’t mean you’re behind. What it really means is that you’re:

• Gaining real-world experience earlier

• Earning money while you learn

• Building industry-specific skills that companies need

• Bettering your chances at career progression and security from day one

Careers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some people thrive in lectures and seminars. Others learn best by doing. Knowing which one you are is a strength, not a weakness.

What is an apprenticeship?

Think of an apprenticeship as paid work experience for school leavers aged 16+. You’ll spend:

• Around 80% of your time working, tackling real-life tasks and problems

• Around 20% learning, usually through classroom sessions, online learning, or training days

You’ll also gain a nationally recognised qualification while building experience that employers genuinely value. 

On top of all of this, you also get paid! The average salary for a Degree Apprenticeship is £27,000 (according to apprenticeship reviews on Higherin). Many apprentices can earn more, depending on company, location and progression.

Apprenticeship Vs University: Pros and Cons

University

• Many students have to work part-time to afford university life. On top of that, they graduate with tuition and maintenance loans.

• There is less opportunity to get hands-on experience other than completing an internship or placement. Which can be very competitive

• Campus life: living in halls, student unions, societies, career fairs and fresher's week

• Career uncertainty: less than half of graduates are working in a career that relates to their degree

Apprenticeships

• Earn while you learn, ZERO student debt

• On-the-job training, getting involved with projects and solving problems in a real-world setting. Gaining more and more responsibility day by day

• Many people don’t know that you can actually live in university halls if your degree apprenticeship is through a university!

• Clear career pathway - 36% of apprentices believe they would not be working in their current industry if it hadn’t been for the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship

What apprenticeships can I do?

There are hundreds of apprenticeships across a huge range of industries, from working in digital marketing and software development to agriculture, engineering, or even as a theatre technician. There’s something for everyone.

Apprenticeships are split into levels. Your starting level will depend on what you’ve achieved so far. Let’s break it down.

Some employers are flexible and may consider applicants who don’t meet the academic criteria but have relevant work experience, motivation, or a strong interest in the role.

Applying for Apprenticeships 

The best time to apply for a higher-level or degree apprenticeship is around six months before, so ideally, you want to start looking between December and February.

We've put together a 6-step guide on securing a higher or degree apprenticeship to maximise your chances of success.

1. Start Your Search Early

Many programmes start recruitment in winter during your final year of A-Levels, and positions fill quickly. Explore potential employers over the autumn and draft your CV and cover letter in advance.

2. Customise Your Applications

Don’t send the same application to every company (they can tell). Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that are relevant to each role and the company’s culture and goals.

3. Research the Company

Get to know the company's values and latest projects. Showing them genuine interest and awareness of the business will make your application and interview performance much stronger.

4. Get prepared for Tests

Most programmes will include a series of tests, including psychometric or situational judgment tests. Practising these beforehand improves your performance and builds confidence.

5. Talk to your careers office at school or college

Your careers service can review your applications, conduct practice interviews and help you prepare for assessment centres. They’re so worth it.

6. Find Opportunities Through Higherin

Discover current Higher and Degree apprenticeships and find out more with us. You can also sign up to receive new job alerts.

Don’t worry about having all the experience in the world. For loads of you, an apprenticeship might be your first job, ever. That’s okay, apprenticeships are there to teach you. What matters is showing employers your transferable skills and that you have a genuine interest in the role you’re applying to.

Looking for some more application advice? We’ve got you covered.

Download our FREE application toolkit:

Not yet made a decision? That’s okay too.

Although it might seem daunting, remember you don’t have to decide everything right now. 

Take time to explore your options, speak to people you trust or who have also been through it, and think about what actually matters to you.

Whatever you decide, make sure it aligns with your goals and, most importantly, makes you feel excited about the future. You want to be able to enjoy your work and feel fulfilled. You deserve that.