Not Going to Uni? Your Alternative Career Paths

Not going to university what to do next? Don't stress You have options!

If you're worried about student debt and committing to full-time higher education, or if you want to start working right after high school, there are many alternatives to university, such as entry-level jobs, further education courses, apprenticeships, other undergraduate qualifications, and self-employment. Don't feel pressured by a university offer. University isn't for everyone, and there are plenty of other options!

What Are Your Career Options if You're Not Going to University?

To help you decide which career path to pursue, consider what you are good at.

1. What skills do you have that would be useful in a job?
2. What subjects did you excel at in school?

When deciding what to do instead of going to university, you'll notice that some employers offer a school leaver programme. The terms used to promote these programmes are frequently interchangeable, but there are numerous advantages that make them excellent alternatives to university.

So, if you're thinking about what you can do instead, take a look at these 10 university alternatives for some inspiration.

10 Career Options if You're Not Going to University

The best career prospects will be those that are true to you and that you are passionate about. Whether you have none or valuable experience, a professional qualification, or for international students exploring options, there are many career opportunities out there waiting for you.

Higher Apprenticeship

Higher apprenticeships last one to five years and are at Level 4 and above on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). As with other any other degree apprenticeship, you will gain practical experience while working towards a qualification that will help you advance in your career.

You will be paid, but the amount will vary greatly depending on the company and industry. You have the right to at least the national minimum wage for apprentices in the United Kingdom.

Over 40 higher apprenticeship frameworks are available in subjects ranging from accounting and banking to engineering and construction, as well as media and marketing.

Entry requirements: A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9-4 and Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels, an advanced level diploma, an NVQ Level 3 or an advanced apprenticeship are usually required to enter a higher apprenticeship, which is the equivalent of a foundation degree.

Traineeships and Internships

Traineeships and internships are excellent ways to prepare for your future career if you have recently finished high school and have no prior work experience.

Traineeships typically last six weeks to six months and are only available to people aged 16 to 23. They not only provide essential work preparation training, but they also provide the ideal opportunity to gain the practical skills and experience required to progress to an apprenticeship or job.

Internships are different to traineeships as they are open to all ages and typically place a greater emphasis on providing actual work experience than on structured training and job preparation.

Further Education courses

Further education courses are free for a school leaver, specifically those under the age of 19 if you've decided to continue your education but want to earn a vocational qualification without spending as much as it would to attend university. Even at the undergraduate level, some college courses are offered.

Here are just some of the qualifications available:

1. T-Levels
2. BTECs
3. Foundation degrees
4. Higher National Diploma

Professional Qualifications

A professional certification might be for you if you don't want to attend a university but are enthusiastic about learning. As a school leaver, you can obtain the credentials you need to launch your career without committing to three years of university by enrolling in a course that is tailored to your chosen industry.

You will also have the freedom to find employment or spend time working on other projects if you choose to study part-time, remotely or both. Studying for a professional certification will increase your employability while also enabling you to pick up new skills.

Entry-level Job

An entry-level position might be easily within your grasp if you're eager to start working right away. Additionally, the types of jobs that are available might surprise you.

You don't always need extensive experience or qualifications to start a career in your preferred sector, whether you want to start a career in education, want to enter the marketing industry, or are passionate about IT.

Additionally, since many employers offer on-the-job training to new hires, you'll be able to pick up a variety of crucial skills that will aid in your career advancement.

Gap year

Finishing high school does not always imply having to choose between work and a undergraduate degree. Taking a gap year allows you as a person to reflect before returning to work or further study. The term "gap year" used to refer to a period of time taken by students after finishing college but before beginning a university degree. However, gap years can now occur at any age, by anyone, and for varying lengths of time. You can use the national careers service to find a course after your break.

Sponsored degree

A sponsored degree can help with the cost of attending university, even as a mature student. This entails a company providing you with annual bursaries or a full salary while you study - typically for three years, the same as a bachelors degree. They may also cover your tuition fee, allowing you to graduate with no student debt/student loan.

Sponsored degrees are now commonly referred to as degree apprenticeships, and they are most commonly offered in technical fields such as science and engineering, though some of the country's top employers also offer them in accountancy, finance, and IT.

Self- Employment or Freelancing

Self-employment has many advantages, including flexible hours, independence, and the potential for a higher salary.

Of course, there are disadvantages to starting your own business: you will not receive sick or holiday pay, your income may be irregular, and you may work much longer days than the average employee. That's on top of the daily pressure of being responsible for the company's successes and failures.

However, if you have a great idea, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a strong desire to succeed, this could be the path for you.

Freelancing: If you're looking for a more flexible way to earn money, consider freelancing.

Freelancing your services is also a great way to try out different roles while also expanding your work experience, whether you want to do it temporarily or on a long-term basis.

Volunteering

If you have a strong commitment to a particular cause, you can look for full time or part-time volunteer work with an NGO. In addition to being a fantastic way to obtain practical work experience while supporting a cause you care about; volunteering can also result in a long-term paid position.

There are many volunteering opportunities available; all you need to do is choose an organisation whose mission aligns with your own and get in touch with them personally to inquire about openings.

Join the military

For high school graduates seeking alternatives to a college degree, joining the military can be a great opportunity to find purpose and develop transferable skills. For instance, enlistees in the US military can obtain specialised training and certificates while still earning college credits. That in turn can facilitate your future application to a university programme or strengthen your resume for a civilian job.

Key Takeaways

Choosing whether or not to attend university may seem like the most important decision you'll ever have to make, especially for young people. But don't get too worked up if you're undecided. Even if you decide to postpone university, for the time being, this does not imply the door is permanently closed. It is absolutely okay to take some time after school to do other activities, which will provide you with the experience you need to make an informed decision on what to do next.

Just don't be misled by what other young adults are doing. Choose what is best for you, your situation, and your career. That way, whatever decision you make, you'll know it's for the right reasons.

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