Deciding between apprenticeships vs university? Do you go to university and get a degree or choose an apprenticeship and earn while you learn?
It’s time to explore which route would may best for you. In order to make the best choice, it’s good to be informed!

What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a qualification where you can earn while you learn.
It provides hands-on, on-the-job training, as well as related classroom learning, which allows you to develop a wide range of valuable workplace and life skills.
These skills not only include technical skills specific to a particular trade or profession, but also important transferable skills. These include problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and time management.
Additionally, apprenticeships can also provide opportunities for individuals to develop valuable professional networks and gain a deeper understanding of their chosen industry or field.
As a result, individuals who complete apprenticeships are well-prepared for long-term success in their chosen careers. Not only are they adaptable to change but also have the ability to continue learning and growing throughout their lives.
Apprenticeships are for all ages too. Did you know? More than 1/3 of apprentices at Activate Apprenticeships are 19+!
Pros of apprenticeships
Here’s why an apprenticeship can be a viable alternative to university. Apprenticeships:
- Hands-on experience – provide practical, hands-on experience in a specific trade or profession, which can be valuable for certain careers
- On-the-job training – offer on-the-job training, which can be a more effective way to learn certain skills compared to classroom instruction
- Clear career pathway – often lead to well-paying jobs and can offer a clear path to a successful career
- Cost-effective – tend to be less expensive than traditional university degrees
- Earn while you learn – are a way to learn and earn simultaneously, which can help to reduce student debt
- Flexibility – can be tailored to the individual’s needs and can be full-time or part-time, dependent on the person’s circumstances
It’s simple, there are plenty of benefits to becoming an apprentice.
What types of apprenticeship can you do?
At Activate Apprenticeships, you can do an apprenticeship in the following industries:
- Construction
- Cycles
- Early Years
- Education
- Engineering
- Furniture
- Hairdressing and Barbering
- Health and Social Care
- Hospitality and Catering
- Institute of Technology
- Land-based
- Leadership and Management
- Motor Vehicle: Auto-care Technician
- Activate Business School – courses for businesses and their employees
You’ll attend college one day a week or with some programmes, not at all.
Overall, apprenticeships can be a great way for people to gain specific skills and knowledge in a particular field, and to move into a career without incurring the costs and time involved in a traditional university degree.
More apprentices vs university resources
