apprenticeships: don't just go with the flow

​Wherever you are, whether that’s applying for post-18 options or just starting to think about them, we want you to remember that it’s all about what’s right for you.
 
Maybe you like the idea of getting in some more learning on a subject area that interests you, but the academic life really just doesn’t float your boat. No problem, after all, everyone learns in different ways.
 
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future. That may seem like a scary idea, but think of it in baby steps. 

What are you passionate about? Do you have a hobby or interest you’d love to make into a career? Maybe a particular profession you’ve been dreaming about since you were small?
 
Focus on the end-goal, and then you can start to plan your best route to get there. Sure, some professions may require a degree (think doctor, dentists, lawyers) but more industries than not are happy with hands-on experience or a combination of learning and experience, rather than purely academic.
 
So long as you can demonstrate you’re willing to learn, know your stuff, and have the passion to make yourself a success.
 
The key thing to remember is that traditional university degrees aren’t the be all and end all. You might be thinking an apprenticeship, (on-the-job training) or a degree apprenticeship (a combo of on-the-job training and time out to do a degree alongside) sounds more like your ideal fit.
 
To get you thinking about your options, have a quick look at Push presenter Ben’s video on  Alternative Routes to Success – he’ll walk you through options and his experiences of the apprenticeship training route in under 2 minutes. We even have a whole section on Apprenticeships, here. Sorted.
 
If you’re unsure what the future might hold for you, head over to our No Idea section for some help on narrowing down all the choices available to you. Do your research, know your options. Whatever you do, don’t bury your head in the sand until someone makes a decision for you.