Not everyone goes to University, despite a lot of people and societal pressure around to go to University. There are different options to take depending on what you want to do in the future and what your current plans are. Not every option is for everyone and each different option has its advantages and disadvantages. I, myself, want to go to University, but I know a bit about each option out there from college and research. If you aren't going to University, I hope this post can help you choose or open your eyes to the options out there. I have linked a website below that shows a range of different options spoken about in this blog post.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are like full-time work, but you can come out with a qualification. There is a range of different ones in various different sectors and thanks to a government scheme and tax, large organisations have to release an apprenticeship scheme, a lot more apprenticeship opportunities are out there. There are different levels of apprenticeships; intermediate (GCSE), advanced (A-level), higher (foundation degree) and degree (bachelors and masters). You can take an apprenticeship before University and come out with a degree in your chosen vocation. Most apprenticeships offer pay and holiday pay that is usually above the minimum wage chosen by the government or the organisation. For more information, I have linked the government's website- https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Gap Years
Gap years can be taken before beginning any of these options or taken at any stage of your life. You can use this time how you like. Some of my friends are taking a gap year to 'get their lives together', but you can also take gap years to work and gain money for university, travel or volunteering- the options you can choose to spend this time are endless. There are many benefits to taking a gap year, such as increasing your confidence, gaining work experience or improving your language skills. Gap years are good if you need some time to yourself, away from the 'real world'. For any extra information, I have linked to Prospectus website- https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/gap-year
Full-time work/employment
After college, you may be fortunate enough to go into full-time work in a sector you're interested in. Full-time work will lead to straight into the world of employment and, in the right organisation, can allow you to make your way up the 'employment ladder' and gain yourself some useful time to improve your work skills. The different options depending on what your skills are and what you job want to do. Here are some useful websites I have found- https://www.studentjob.co.uk/
Starting a business
If you know exactly what you want to be and what to do, starting a business can be the option for you. Starting your own business can allow you to have control over your hours and pay, and allows you to work on your own skills as an employer. You can pass on what you love to others and allow you to keep yourself on the inside of what you love. There are many challenges behind it, but it can be extremely rewarding if it goes your way. Here is a website giving you tips on starting a business- https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business
Traineeships
These are designed to help people who want an apprenticeship, but who don't have the necessary skills to do so. Traineeships are education and training programmes that give people the work experience they need to get an apprenticeship. They are designed for 16-24-year-olds, to give them work preparation, maths, English and workplace skills. Traineeships can also help people who want a job, but don't have the skills to get into the job they need or want, lasting from six weeks to six months. They have benefits, such as work preparation training and an improved C.V. It wouldn't be usefu to do a traineeship if you already have the skill for an apprenticeship or job. Here are a few websites to help if you're looking at traineeships- https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traineeships-programme and https://www.ucas.com/further-education/apprenticeships-and-traineeships/traineeships
If you aren't going to university or aren't sure, I hope this post has helped you decide or allowed you to see that there are more options than University. A lot of this information is researched as I haven't chosen one of the options above myself. Here is a link to a website that has all the above options (other than starting your business) and any opportunities from companies- https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/
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