Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Apprenticeships vs university – Finding what’s right for you 

When it comes to planning your future career, there’s always more than one road to success. While university is usually the most popular route, an apprenticeship can be a practical and rewarding alternative. Let’s explore the advantages of starting an apprenticeship vs heading to university, and why it might be the right choice for you.

Benefits of apprenticeships over university

While university is a great way to become qualified for some careers, it’s definitely not for everyone. And these days, there are apprenticeships available in a huge number of industries, from construction and hospitality to business and arts. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you might like to do an apprenticeship vs university.

Hands-on learning experience

Apprenticeships are unique in the way they offer a hands-on approach to learning. Instead of spending most of your time in a classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly in your chosen field. This means you’ll gain practical skills and experience right from the start, and is a great way to apply what you learn in real-world situations.

Earn while you learn

Perhaps one of their biggest benefits is that apprenticeships come with a pay check – you’re essentially being paid to learn and grow in your chosen career. This can be a huge advantage over university, where you’ll need to find a job on the side if you want to earn some cash, or in some cases undertake unpaid placements to become qualified.

Early career progression

In many apprenticeships, you’ll have the chance to work alongside experienced professionals right from the first day, leading to faster advancement in your career compared to a traditional academic route. You can start building a network and making valuable industry connections that might come in handy down the track.

A direct path to employment

Lots of apprenticeships come with a direct pathway into a job. Many employers who offer apprenticeships end up hiring their apprentices as full-time employees after they complete the program. This means you could have a job waiting for you at the end of your training period, which isn’t always the case with a university degree.

Is an apprenticeship right for me?

If you thrive in a hands-on environment and prefer practical learning over traditional classroom settings, an apprenticeship could be perfect for you. But don’t forget your apprenticeship will still involve some study too – plus, you’ll be committing to a real job and all the responsibility that entails as well. This includes turning up on time, doing what you’re asked, and adding value to your workplace.

For some people, university might be a better fit – and that’s OK too. If your dream job requires a specific academic qualification or demands a deep theoretical understanding, you’ll need to study. You might find you learn better in an academic setting rather than getting hands-on, and university will be a better choice in this case too.

Learn more

Remember, your decision should be based on your goals and learning style, not what someone else thinks is best for you. And if you try one pathway and decide it’s not for you, it’s never too late to try something else.

You can find heaps more information about both apprenticeships and university on our website.