University vs Apprentices in the UK
After what feels like moving heaven and earth, last year I spent my evenings and weekends coaching, mentoring, learning and pushing, I finally got my son through a very difficult final year of university. I will add a great outcome of him gaining a solid 2:1 degree in Computing... And then him deciding on a totally non related career choice (I am fully supportive and incredibly proud of his change of direction)!!
All of this has had me reflecting on the advice I'd give any parent who's son or daughter is considering the prospect of going to university. Here is my reasoning...
I now believe that for the majority of young people, pursuing an apprenticeship is likely a better choice than going to university.
While the traditional path of higher education has long been celebrated and I have had the honour of graduating twice, I see that the landscape is changing, and apprenticeships are emerging as a more valuable alternative.
Why do I think this?
Practical skills and experience - Apprenticeships offer hands-on training, this allows young people to develop tangible skills that are directly applicable to their chosen field.
You earn while you learn - Unlike university, where the current student debt sums are ridiculously high (£56k in our case), apprenticeships provide the opportunity to earn a wage (and company benefits) while studying.
Apprenticeships are widely available - Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of industries now offer routes into the workforce via apprenticeships. Many finance, law, medicine and engineering companies do not require a formal degree anymore.
I think it’s really important to challenge the notion that university is the only path to success.
It's important to remember young people lack direction because they don’t have the proper support at school or college to aid them in making the correct decision whatever that may be.
For any parent(s) in this situation, please look at all the options, don't feel that university is the best choice. Take the time to investigate other options. There are still some very valid reasons to go to university.
Just to add to this.
Add in the fact that there is little to no prospect of ever paying off the £56k debt within his working life. For example, on a salary of £30k a year, his student loan payments will total £243 a year, with a staggering £3175 being added in interest charges. They should be written off after 30 years, but I'm sceptical, as mine should have been after 25 years, but were instead sold off to a debt recovery company who then issued me with a repayment plan. Fortunately, mine were only £1,500 and I just paid it off.
