With university fees rocketing up and graduate unemployment at its highest for over a decade it’s not surprising that a lot of people are questioning going to university. Apprenticeships in London are proving to be a popular alternative to the higher education route.
Obviously for some jobs a degree is going to be essential. Care to have open heart surgery from a “doctor” who went to the University of Life? Thought not. But for other careers the debt built up from three or more years at university might not make sense if it has no tangible impact on your career prospects.
If you’re leaving school and wondering what your next step should be, have a think about an apprenticeship. Not only will you gain a qualification while working, you’ll gain invaluable skills and knowledge in your chosen field, all of which will give you an edge in today’s competitive job market.
Here are three great options for an apprenticeship, all of which are in growing and in-demand sectors.
1. Health And Social Care. If you care about people and enjoy helping those in need then an apprenticeship in health and social care could be right for you. You could end up working for the NHS, in a care home for the elderly or with autistic children. The scope of the work is enormous and there are good opportunities for progression with further qualifications.
2. Plumbing. Good with your hands? Someone somewhere is always going to need a good plumber. Aside from the usual jobs of fixing a broken toilet or leaky tap, plumbers can also specialise in bathroom installations, drainage and even central heating systems. The median salary for a qualified plumber is over 22k a year, with many earning a great deal more and you could even go it alone and start up your own plumbing company.
3. Hairdressing. If you’re creative with a flair for fashion and visuals consider a career in hairdressing. Although you’ll need to learn the intricacies of different cuts, blow-drying, colouring and other tricks of the trade, one of the most important skills to have and develop is the gift of the gab. A lot of your success will rest on return business, so make sure you love working with people and building relationships with them. Hairdressers can earn good money, and crucially it’s an in-demand skill both across the country and around the world.
The College of North West London offers a range of apprenticeships across many business sectors, with more employers opening up their doors all the time. If university doesn’t feel right for you then choose an apprenticeship to learn the skills you need for the modern workplace.
Want to win a £100 movie voucher? College of North West London are running a competition. But be quick! Ends on Sun 30 June.