It has become more and more obvious that there’s more than one ‘right’ answer when it comes to gaining qualifications, furthering your education, and preparing yourself for the world of work.
Completing an undergraduate degree from a traditional university has its benefits. You’ll gain independence by living away from home, be able to study whatever you want, and make long-lasting friendships and memories. Gaining a degree certainly broadens your horizons and opens a wide range of doors, although there’s no guarantee of employment.
Studying for a degree can be long and expensive, with graduates often feeling like they’re not sure where to turn after completing their courses. So, with tuitions fees set to rise in Autumn 2025, it’s no surprise that apprenticeships are continuing to gain popularity.
Why choose an apprenticeship?
You’ll be paid! Whilst university students are paying £9,535 in tuition fees per year and continuously incurring debt, an apprentice can expect to earn a decent salary. The top companies can pay upwards of £20,000 per year. Apprentices are also entitled to a select number of days as paid leave annually. So, one way to spend all of that money is on holidays and seeing the world!
Another advantage of being an apprentice is that you’ll get real-world experience at a young age. You’ll have a head-start in comparison to university graduates when it comes to understanding the world of work, managing your finances and understanding the value of work-ethic and professionalism. These are all major benefits to your personal development.
Apprentices get qualifications, too. The accreditations you earn as an apprentice increase your employability by providing you with a relevant skillset in your specific industry. Through high quality, industry-led training you could become a valuable asset to a company.
Major companies like Amazon, NatWest, Deloitte, HSBC and the BBC were all some of the top apprenticeship employers of 2024 and are set to continue offering these opportunities in 2025. Apprentices have a foot-in-the-door in these big companies and therefore have an excellent opportunity to develop professional connections. A good apprentice would make the most of their head-start by building a strong network, as it’s an integral part of career growth.
It’s difficult to get an in into many of the top companies, and undertaking an apprenticeship is a great way to get one. According to the National Apprenticeship Service, 72% of apprentices remain with their employer after completing their courses. In a lot of cases, once you’re in, you’re in!
Staying on with an employer after an apprenticeship has a lot of long-term financial benefits. Many apprentices who are hired full-time after completing their apprenticeship find themselves with a stable and secure job, which leads to consistent income, financial security and even a head-start on your pension. This oftentimes results in higher earning potential, especially in industries like engineering, IT, healthcare, and finance. The Sutton Trust found that apprentices can expect to earn thousands more in their lifetime than undergraduates from non-Russell Group universities.
There are so many apprenticeships to choose from in 2025 and in a range of different industries – law, healthcare, media, banking, HR, marketing, sales, transport. Unlike with UCAS, there is no limit to the number of apprenticeships you can apply for. You can also apply alongside your university applications. So, there’s no rush to decide! It’s important to conduct thorough research into the specific companies and industries you’re thinking of applying to, as apprenticeships are competitive.
Following on from this post, there are other important resources to consider. Here’s another blog with further information about the application process. This StudentStream webinar explains why you should take an apprenticeship and this StudentStream webinar weighs up the differences between Higher & Degree Apprenticeships vs Traditional Degrees. You can also look through the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship page to get further information from the government.
