Many people’s future aspirations were recently flipped upside down with those that have yet to pass their English and maths GCSEs being denied the right to equal opportunities.

 This got us thinking, what are some other alternatives to university? 

Apprenticeship Programs 

One of the most popular alternatives to university is an apprenticeship, they have a variety of benefits including getting paid while you study. They are one of the most financially secure routes to take to getting a qualification, but you may find you’ve still got your heart set on earning a degree.

If you’re still determined that you want a degree you’ll be happy to hear that In recent years apprenticeships have started to offer higher level qualifications in partnership with universities minus the cost. I would be lying if I said it was all sunshine and rainbows as taking on an apprenticeship isn’t for the faint of heart. 

Entry Level Jobs 

Let’s talk entry level jobs! These are perfect for someone trying to navigate their way through the world of work straight from school or even for someone just getting into a new industry. 

Internship Program 

In some ways internships have been given a bad rep with the ongoing debate of whether they should be paid or not.

We’re not going to deny that internships are more about the experience than the salary but regardless of that internships have some fantastic long term advantages. 

By giving you the experience needed to enhance your transferrable skills and developing your technical know how about the industry you can stand out from the competitive job market. 

Not only that but you’re also gaining real life experience, giving you the opportunity to network and build your professional connections. 

Free online courses 

Taking an online course is one of the less common avenues to take instead of university but it is safe to say that it’s one of the more flexible and accessible ways to earn a qualification.

Not only does online learning work to give you a customized learning experience but it also saves you money compared to the long term financial burden of university. 

 There are a variety of free courses to try such as:

-    Google digital garage 

-    Alison 

-    FutureLearn

Start your own business 

A degree isn’t an essential part of running business. 

Some of the most successful public figures on the internet like Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, and Bill gates all have one thing in common. Can you guess what it is...? 

Can you take the suspense any longer I know I can’t? The answer to this burning question is none of them ever went to university before launching their businesses. 

Need some advice on how to start your own business? I can assure you there are other ways to expand your knowledge about business without needing a fancy degree to prove it. 

A few things you can try are:

-    You can do a bit of self study by using the resources available to you 

-    Do some research into what other business owners have to say about the topic.  A great article to check out is the 7 secrets to running a successful business. 

I hope that I was able to give you some insight into the career options that you could take beyond university. 

If you’re interested in working while you learn or launching your career with an entry-level job you can browse our latest jobs here.

Written by Amber Scott from the Apply4U Team.

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