Many undergraduates and alumni will tell
you that choosing to enroll at a university was one of the finest choices they
ever made because of the incredible opportunities it presented them with. That
said, not everyone should go to college. Given the magnitude of the financial
and time investment required, it's essential to be sure that this path is the
best one for you.Don't freak out if you decide college
isn't for you. The problem is that many students are unaware of the various
other possibilities available to them.Here are some of the most popular choices
for college:Degree-apprenticeship programsThe required education level is equivalent
to a BTEC Level 3 diploma or A-Level; however individual employers may have
different standards. Best for those looking to get an education without debt
and develop marketable skills in the job. Degree apprenticeships are a hybrid
between traditional university education and the on-the-job training provided
by an apprenticeship.Work three or four days a week and attend
class on the other two, with extra time off around test time to study. Though
you'll have to cover your own living expenses, your company and the government
will cover your training and academic expenses, and you'll be monetarily
compensated for your efforts. Regular benefits for full-time workers, such as
health insurance and retirement savings plans, will also be provided.Basic EducationThere are no hard and fast prerequisites
to enter; however, certain employers may favour applicants with job experience.
It's ideal for people who either can't afford a four-year degree or who want to
continue working in their chosen field while earning certification.An associate's degree is equivalent to
around two-thirds of a bachelor's degree. It's a credential that, like an
apprenticeship, combines classroom learning with on-the-job training to prepare
its recipients for a certain occupation. Typically, colleges and universities
work together to put on such events.After completing a foundation degree,
students can enter the workforce full-time. Still, many often choose to
"top up" their degree by taking on an additional year of study to get
honours. Directly applying to a school is the best bet if you wish to enroll in
a foundation degree program on the side.Higher apprenticeship programsIt's important to note that degree and
higher apprenticeships are not the same, even though the terms are commonly
used interchangeably. Gaining the necessary hands-on experience for the job
will be your full-time, salaried job. Although you will work full-time, you
will also attend school part-time. Both the government and your company will
cover any associated fees.Construction, agriculture, animal care,
the arts, publishing, journalism, business, law, engineering, information technology,
retail, healthcare, and a wide variety of other fields all offer advanced-level
apprenticeships. UCAS is the place to look for graduate apprenticeships.Entry Level JobsYou'll need a specific GPA or years of
experience for certain positions, but for others, all they care about is your
passion and work ethic. Although some positions will be permanent and
full-time, others may be temporary or part-time.There is no one true path to securing an
entry-level position. You might begin by looking for positions on employment
sites, networking with people you know, or distributing your resume to local
businesses. Once you've gained entry, the next step is to go up the ranks.ConclusionLocalSkill
is a manufacturing
recruitment agency that can help you find unskilled or semi-skilled job
opportunities in your vicinity. Reach out to us now to get started!