apprenticeships: what's best for you?

​While university applications are on the rise (even with the huge rise in tuition fees), you might feel that higher education at a traditional university or college isn't the right experience for you at this stage in your life.
 
Many choose to study a degree later in life, or not at all, and you should never feel less than others just because you aren't choosing to go to university right now.
 
Not everyone should go to university, because no two people are the same. It’s about getting the right fit for you and an employer, so that you can become as desirable as possible for the industry you want to get into. 

​Some employers recognise that an 'earn while you learn' apprenticeship training programme is the best way to get students job-ready (with knowledge, skills, experience) for exactly what they need. 
 
It’s crucial your teachers and careers advisors are impartial and offer you as much support and advice as those who want the uni route, so you don't feel left behind or ignored.
 
While we all associate the phrase 'earn while you learn' with apprenticeship schemes, there's a lot more to it than that. More and more degree-level and higher apprenticeships are being introduced, and more employers and industries are getting on board. 
 
In fact, there’s never been so many funded training programmes in this country as in the 21st century. Even so, students need to feel confident that apprenticeships are an exciting prospect, not a 'second best' after uni.  
 
The government have put together a really useful pack on understanding apprenticeships (able to download) right here for you. Click on it, and get exploring your future.