You’ve just finished college and you are torn on what to do. Do you go straight to university, take a gap year, or find a different route such as an apprenticeship?
It’s a nervous time figuring out what to do. There are so many routes and opportunities that it can become confusing. So to help you we have answered the questions that may be whizzing through your head.
What if moving away isn’t for me?
The thought of having freedom from your family and your own space is probably very appealing now, but you have plenty of time to move away. Before you take the step to move out, weigh up the pros and cons! If you aren’t sold on moving away for university, there may be some great apprenticeship opportunities in your area. Doing an apprenticeship means that you don’t have to move to another city, share flats or houses with strangers or feel lost in a different city.
I want a creative career, is university really the best way?
There are many routes you can take to pursue a creative career. Often employers in the creative industry place more value on your portfolio and experience. If you have ambition and talent this will shine through in your work.
Various modules in university courses are in place to build your portfolio through self-directed study, so it’s a great idea to consider putting together a portfolio or website to display your creative content. Often you might find that you already have a lot of the skills the university course you’re considering will teach you, but you want support in refining them.
Apprenticeships offer great online training whilst you gain on the job experience in the sector. Just some of the qualifications you can gain are Junior Content Producer (Graphic Design), Digital Marketing, IT Qualifications and Software/Web Development.
I’m tired of education, can I really face another three or four years of it?
You’ve been in full time education as far back as you can remember and you probably feel ready for a break or for some ‘real-world’ experiences. Apprenticeships are often between 12 and 18 months (depending on the qualification) and offer great on the job experience. You will receive support from Nationally recognised training providers throughout your apprenticeship.
Is university really worth the all that debt?
If you feel that obtaining a university degree will be a central part in getting your dream career, then go for it. However, apprenticeships are often a debt-free alternative where you can earn while you learn. No need to pay for tuition, expensive books, or over priced accommodation. After the first 12 months of your apprenticeship, the employer legally has to pay you the national Minimum Wage for your age. What’s even better, is that the employer can even offer you a full time position!
Would I learn better through experience?
Sometimes it’s better to learn how to do something through actually doing it. Seeing first hand how companies in the sector you want to work in deal with challenges or execute parts of the role.
However, most employers now look for experience and knowledge in a field, not just qualifications. An apprenticeship can give you all of that while also earning money. Even after completing an apprenticeship, if you want to pursue university this could still be an option for you.
I don’t like the modules in the university course I’m considering; do I really need to complete them all to be qualified to work in this sector?
In some university courses, there are certain modules that you will need to complete to pass or gain a degree. But if you know what sector you want to work in, an apprenticeship qualification can be a great choice. They are more specific to the roles and skills you want to work towards.
You need to make the right decision for yourself and your career; one of the best ways to do this is to be completely informed about all your options. At 360 Apprenticeships we wish you all the best in whichever path you take!
How 360 Apprenticeships can help
If you’re unsure on on which route to take, 360 Apprenticeships can help. We provide a free service from first point of contact to the successful placement of each apprentice. Every apprentice who is successful will only be placed with the best training providers (Graded 1 and/or 2 by Ofsted) so you know that everyone is in safe hands.
You can find out more regarding the apprenticeship scheme on our website. To speak to one of our recruiters directly, you can contact us on:
or email us at [email protected]. You can also find us on social media:
Facebook: 360 Apprenticeships
Instagram: @360apprenticeships
LinkedIn: 360-apprenticeships
Twitter: @360Apprentices