SUNEMPLOYMENT
Plan your move after A-levels with our guide to university, degree apprenticeships and entry-level jobs
From degree apprenticeships to entry-level jobs, here are five post-A-level options
GETTING into university could be easier than usual this year, even with lower-than-expected A-level grades.
Figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service show application numbers have dropped for the second year running.
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Now, 41.9 per cent of 18-year-olds want a place at uni, compared to 44.1 per cent two years ago.
There are already 30,000 places available through the clearing system, which matches students to courses with vacancies, including sought-after degrees for medicine and computer science.
The cost of living and worries around the average £50,000 student debt mean many people now look at apprenticeships or other ways to go straight into the world of work.
Alan Smithers, professor of education at Buckingham University, said: “Attitudes to university are changing.
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“It was thought to be the route to good jobs but the university system has greatly expanded and not everyone who gets a degree now gets a satisfying job.”
So if you are picking up A-level results on August 15, which route is for you?
Here is the Sunemployment guide to your post-A level options.
UNIVERSITY: Every uni has its own entry criteria and these differ for each course. But you will need A levels or equivalent qualifications. If your grades mean you want to change degree course or even pick a different uni, use the clearing process at .
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DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS: Study for a degree without the debt. Overall, you spend about 20 per cent of the time studying for a degree linked to the job and 80 per cent working.
Look for Level 6 apprenticeships that are equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree or Level 7, which is a Masters. Courses include engineering, law, nursing and creative industries.
I dropped out of uni and now make £1000 a day just by baking
Alexia Williams, 24, did a Level 7 degree apprenticeship in through-life engineering services at Rolls-Royce with Cranfield University in Bedford.
Now working as a deployed lifecycle engineer for Rolls-Royce, she says: “I didn’t even apply to university, I was only interested in apprenticeships.
“When I was in year nine, I attended a careers fair and spoke to an apprentice who told me they were two years ahead in their career compared to those on the graduate scheme. It seemed obvious I would be better off getting paid a salary, while building up work experience.
“At Rolls-Royce, the number of women has been steadily increasing. I like the thought of being a bit of a guinea pig, maybe a trailblazer”
See .
STANDARD APPRENTICESHIPS: These offer “earn as you learn” training, meaning you get paid to work and gain professional qualifications. There are more than 600 types of jobs on offer, with qualifications ranging from Level 2, equivalent to a GCSE, to Level 5, the same as a foundation degree. See .
ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS: This traditional route can help you gain experience quickly and you will take home a wage from day one. It is especially popular in hospitality, retail, travel and logistics. Search at findajob.dwp.gov.uk/ or apply direct to firms.
HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS: Looking for a more practical route into work? HTQs are employer-led study programmes and an alternative to apprenticeships or degrees. Search for the Higher Technical Qualifications section at
Clearing the way forward
IAN DUNN is the Provost of Coventry University, which he joined as a student through the clearing process. He says: “It should be seen as an opportunity to change or make up your mind. That is exactly what I did”.
He looks at key clearing questions to ask . . .
What is the standard of teaching? All universities in England are assessed and graded via the Teaching Excellence Framework, with the best receiving a Gold award.
What is it like to study in the area? Talk to institutions about the experience. Some, including Coventry, will connect you with student ambassadors or members of staff who live in the city. They can give insights into where to study and relax.
What are the facilities like? Ask in the building your course is based in. There may be a big difference between universities that can offer you a place.
What is my careers path and what support is there? You need to know you will get the right support to stand out in the jobs market. Always ask about career potentials on the back of the course you are interested in.
What support is available to help with the cost of living? Travel, food, equipment and socialising costs money. Knowing what support is available is invaluable. Ask about budgeting tools, savings tips and advice as well as the scholarships, bursaries and grants available.
A career to invest in
WHY not become a prized asset by launching your career in investment management?
It is traditionally thought of as a closed profession, only for those with elite degrees.
But the Investment20/20 campaign aims to widen access to the sector and create a more inclusive and responsible industry.
Throughout the 12-month programme, trainees take part in a range of training and insights, to develop the skills and knowledge needed for their roles, and to build their confidence and peer network.
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It has already helped more than 2,700 students start their career.
Find out more about the scheme at .
Take the Express route
GRAB a slice of the management action with PizzaExpress.
The restaurant chain has launched its School and College Leavers Programme, which provides fast-track training to becoming a general manager through a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
Apply at vizzy.com/jobs/@PizzaExpress.
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