APPRENTICES: ATTEEEN-TION!

I don't know but I've been told... Apprenticeships are the way to go!
 
If you're sure the uni route's just not for you but you've got no idea what you want to do next, it's worth taking a look at the Army Apprenticeship Scheme. ​

Some of you are probably grimacing at the thought, but it's by far one of the most diverse (and well paid) schemes going. It's not just skills and drills à la Tough Mudder. We promise. There's some seriously exciting stuff involved. 

Generally, you'd start your apprenticeship during standard army training. This can be a great way to boost your literacy and numeracy skills if they need a little work – Level 2 Apprenticeships are equivalent to five good GCSE passes. You come out the other end as a skilled Army Tradesman (or woman) with a Level 2 NVQ and seriously improved fitness. 

No, we can't guarantee you'll get as ripped as a Ken Doll. But you're a few steps closer than you would be after a year or two at home,  with the rents feeding you up.

And it doesn't end there – if you're up for something a little more advanced, the Army also offer Level 3 Apprenticeships, which are equivalent to two whole A Levels. 

And these apprenticeships come in a variety of different forms. You can study:
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• Engineering
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Construction
• Driving
• Animal Care

...with new courses introduced all the time, so watch this space.

So if you're interested in taking a slightly less traditional route, this could be the answer to your prayers. Head over to the Army site to do some further research, because they've got loads of info on eligibility, FAQs and tips on signing up. It's a great way to meet people, gain hands-on skills and boost your confidence.

It's also a route that's bursting at the seams with opportunities to progress. So if you end up loving it, they'll help you work towards qualifications such as Bachelors and Masters degrees. Pretty neat, right?

Every job in the Army offers the option to progress to gain professional skills leading to higher qualifications, including full Bachelors and Masters degrees.

Better yet?

No uni fees. They pay YOU for it.