August 15th 2024.
The world is constantly evolving, and with it, the expectations of students have also changed. In the past, it was almost a given that after A level results day, students would attend university, obtain a degree, and then secure a job. However, the younger generation, also known as Gen Z, is challenging this traditional path and exploring alternative routes to reach their dream careers.
This year, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of 18-year-olds applying for university, with only 41.3% submitting their applications. This is the lowest level seen since before the pandemic. According to Ucas, a total of 316,850 students applied by the equal consideration deadline in January. Nick Hillman, the director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, expressed concern over this decline, stating that it reflects the difficulties faced by students in the face of the rising cost of living.
The current financial climate has certainly had a significant impact on students, causing many to worry about the possibility of accruing debt through university. As a result, some are choosing to avoid this potential burden altogether. Instead of taking out student loans, many teenagers have discovered that they can earn a degree without paying a penny and even get paid for their work at the same time. This is all thanks to the government's degree apprenticeship scheme, which was launched in 2015 as part of apprenticeship reforms, although many young people are still not aware of this option.
Jamie Nicholls, an 18-year-old from London, hopes to pursue a career in law, but he did not apply to university. Instead, he is aiming to secure a spot on a six-year solicitor degree apprenticeship, of which only a handful are available. He explains that this program offers the same degree as a university, but without the added financial burden. During the first four years, students study one day a week and spend the remaining four days working at a law firm. For Jamie, the biggest draw of this apprenticeship is the valuable work experience it provides. He believes that by the end of the program, he will have acquired not only a degree but also the necessary soft skills for the workplace.
So, why are more young people turning away from the traditional path of attending university? According to experts, this change is reflective of the ever-changing society we live in. Psychotherapist and careers coach, Eloise Skinner, explains that the younger generation has more options available to them when it comes to building their lives, allowing for more flexibility and freedom in decision-making. This can lead to questioning traditional values, such as the importance of further education and higher educational goals. Additionally, the appeal of immediately gaining professional skills, networks, and connections through apprenticeships is also a significant factor, especially in a rapidly evolving job market.
For Jamie, the decision not to apply to university initially caused some doubts, as his private school heavily promoted it as the only post-sixth form option. However, after researching and discovering other possibilities, he realized that university was not the right path for him. He believes that many of his peers also lack awareness of alternative options.
Oluwatosin Ewetuga, an 18-year-old from Leeds, also decided not to attend university due to the high fees and a desire to gain hands-on experience outside of the classroom. After attending university taster days, he found that they were too similar to his sixth form classes. He is now looking to pursue accounting and economics through a degree apprenticeship, which he believes will provide him with the necessary skills for future employment and potential entrepreneurship.
Similarly, Sophie Seymour from Newport initially planned to become a teacher and was offered places at several universities. However, upon further reflection, she realized that this was not the career path she wanted to pursue. She is now looking to kickstart her career in the travel industry through an apprenticeship.
Degree apprenticeships are available throughout the UK, known as graduate apprenticeships in Scotland, and higher level apprenticeships in Northern Ireland. More information about these programs and the application process can be found on the Ucas website.
The younger generation is paving their own way and exploring alternative options to reach their dream careers. With the availability of degree apprenticeships, they can obtain a degree without accruing debt and gain valuable work experience at the same time. It is a reflection of the changing times, where traditional expectations are no longer set in stone, and young people have the freedom and flexibility to make their own choices.
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