In 2021, a record 37.9% of UK school leavers enrolled in full-time undergraduate degrees. However, that still means that over 60% of school leavers choose a different route. Are you unsure whether university is the best fit for you? Then keep reading as we break down 7 awesome alternatives to university to inspire you.
What Are The Alternatives To University?
Finishing school is an exciting but uncertain time. There’s a lot of pressure to decide what’s next, even if you don’t feel ready to commit to a career path or degree. This leaves many school leavers with the question: What to do instead of university?
Whether you want to travel, start your own business, or upskill, there are plenty of options out there. We’ve rounded up seven of the best alternatives to university.
1. Find an internship
Internships have immense benefits for school leavers looking to gain real-world experience in their target industry. Many large employers, such as the BBC, offer internships to young people who want to get into a large organisation on the ground floor.
Unlike apprenticeships, some internships are unpaid. However, once you’ve earned your stripes, most interns are offered full-time positions in the company. At the very least, it’s an opportunity to pad out your CV.
In addition, doing an internship is an excellent way to grow your network and further your career.
Search for internships near you →
2. Do an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships give you hands-on experience in a profession or trade, jumpstarting your career. The benefits are immense, especially for those who prefer to learn by doing or need to earn money while they gain experience. What’s more, as an apprentice, you work with seasoned professionals, propelling your progress faster than a traditional university route.
Search for apprenticeships near you →
3. Take a gap year
Taking a gap year is an excellent opportunity to gain both life and work experience while you figure out what you want to do next. And the best part is that you can personalise your gap year to suit your budget, goals, and interests.
For instance, you can choose to go it alone and organise your own gap year. Alternatively, there are many programmes that do the planning for you, providing you with opportunities to travel, volunteer, or work abroad.
Many employers look favourably on candidates who have taken a gap year, as it demonstrates that they have gained experience working in diverse cultures and are willing to broaden their horizons.
Search for gap year job opportunities →
You may also be interested in ?? Work abroad: Australia
4. Start your own business
What do Steven Spielberg, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Oprah have in common? None of them has a degree. So, if some of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs can succeed without going to university, there’s no reason why you can’t too.
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, starting your own business might be the challenge you’re looking for. Of course, it’s not without its risks, but with a great idea and plenty of research, it could be a rewarding and worthwhile experience.
Plus, running your own business gives you first-hand experience in a range of professions, including sales and marketing, finance, and management.
5. Upskill online
There’s no denying that doing a degree is a huge expense. From tuition fees to living expenses, it’s simply not financially viable for many school leavers. And the idea of finishing university with a mountain of debt is a daunting prospect.
That doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice further education, though. Studying online is one of the best alternatives to going to university. You can choose from a wide range of professional courses to suit your budget, interests, and goals.
Even better, online learning is self-paced, much more cost-effective, and flexible enough to fit around your schedule and existing commitments. As the world of education becomes increasingly digital, you can find affordable training courses on everything from coding to copywriting.
Search for flexible jobs for students →
6. Take a vocational training course
Similar to apprenticeships, vocational training courses offer students the chance to develop specific skills in their target industry. You can choose from trades or other vocational professions and learn on the job.
Vocational training is a much more cost-effective option than university education and gets you the skills and experience you need in a shorter time. That way, you can start your career (and earn a proper salary) sooner.
Worth a read ?? 5 Real-life skills you learned at school
7. Join the military
Joining the UK military as a school leaver is a chance to see the world and gain real-life experience, especially if you don’t know what path to take. The military provides school leavers with a range of opportunities to develop personally and professionally, including training and education, the chance to travel, and a defined career path.
As a member of the military, you can enjoy the benefits of a stable career. This is an especially great option for those who thrive when they have a sense of purpose.
Search for military jobs opportunities near you →
Key Takeaways
University is a great experience for many people, but it’s not the only path to success. For many school leavers, it’s simply not the right fit. If you’re struggling to decide your next steps, we hope these alternatives to university inspire you to think out of the box. Whatever path you choose, the key is to make sure it aligns with your interests, goals, and values.
Need more support? Our resource hub is packed with useful information and career advice for young people considering a gap year. You’ll find everything from CV writing tips to advice on how to write a high-quality cover letter.
Be sure to check our student job board for opportunities near you.
We also recommend checking out our blog every Wednesday to stay ahead of the latest employment news and trends.
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