Many undergraduates and alumni will tell you that choosing to enroll at a university was one of the finest choices they ever made because of the incredible opportunities it presented them with. That said, not everyone should go to college. Given the magnitude of the financial and time investment required, it's essential to be sure that this path is the best one for you.
Don't freak out if you decide college isn't for you. The problem is that many students are unaware of the various other possibilities available to them.
Here are some of the most popular choices for college:
Degree-apprenticeship programs
The required education level is equivalent to a BTEC Level 3 diploma or A-Level; however individual employers may have different standards. Best for those looking to get an education without debt and develop marketable skills in the job. Degree apprenticeships are a hybrid between traditional university education and the on-the-job training provided by an apprenticeship.
Work three or four days a week and attend class on the other two, with extra time off around test time to study. Though you'll have to cover your own living expenses, your company and the government will cover your training and academic expenses, and you'll be monetarily compensated for your efforts. Regular benefits for full-time workers, such as health insurance and retirement savings plans, will also be provided.
Basic Education
There are no hard and fast prerequisites to enter; however, certain employers may favour applicants with job experience. It's ideal for people who either can't afford a four-year degree or who want to continue working in their chosen field while earning certification.
An associate's degree is equivalent to around two-thirds of a bachelor's degree. It's a credential that, like an apprenticeship, combines classroom learning with on-the-job training to prepare its recipients for a certain occupation. Typically, colleges and universities work together to put on such events.
After completing a foundation degree, students can enter the workforce full-time. Still, many often choose to “top up” their degree by taking on an additional year of study to get honours. Directly applying to a school is the best bet if you wish to enroll in a foundation degree program on the side.
Higher apprenticeship programs
It's important to note that degree and higher apprenticeships are not the same, even though the terms are commonly used interchangeably. Gaining the necessary hands-on experience for the job will be your full-time, salaried job. Although you will work full-time, you will also attend school part-time. Both the government and your company will cover any associated fees.
Construction, agriculture, animal care, the arts, publishing, journalism, business, law, engineering, information technology, retail, healthcare, and a wide variety of other fields all offer advanced-level apprenticeships. UCAS is the place to look for graduate apprenticeships.
Entry Level Jobs
You'll need a specific GPA or years of experience for certain positions, but for others, all they care about is your passion and work ethic. Although some positions will be permanent and full-time, others may be temporary or part-time.
There is no one true path to securing an entry-level position. You might begin by looking for positions on employment sites, networking with people you know, or distributing your resume to local businesses. Once you've gained entry, the next step is to go up the ranks.
Conclusion
LocalSkill is a manufacturing recruitment agency that can help you find unskilled or semi-skilled job opportunities in your vicinity. Reach out to us now to get started!
