National Apprenticeship Week-Apprenticeships versus University.

Beam Park ward Labour Councillor and former Havering Mayor, Councillor Trevor McKeever today shares his thoughts on apprenticeships versus university courses.

Remembering back to my days when I had to choose between an apprenticeship or staying on at school to achieve the qualifications I would require to get a university education, it seemed to be a bit of a dilemma. After many discussions and guidance from my parents, I decided that an apprenticeship would be the best opportunity for me to maximise my skills according to my abilities.

There are many advantages to going to university such as the number of courses that are available. You also gain from being able to live independently away from home with like minded fellow students and create a very vast social network. Some may point out that if you walk amongst like minded people, you are leaving yourself open to having one opinion, and it will cost you approximately £9500 a year to do so. 

At one point in time a university degree was deemed as the ultimate qualification, but as time has gone on and different qualifications are now available such as degree apprenticeships, this type of apprenticeship is becoming most popular with students over 40,000 choosing to do this degree apprenticeship in 2023. Whilst apprenticeships are recognised for their real-life work experiences and practical nature,graduates are still in high demand. I do not see this changing in the future.

Whilst I am biassed and in favour of apprenticeships, it is not one-size-fits all. I chose to learn whilst I earned, going straight into a workforce environment which could be daunting for Some, but I found the support of coworkers very reassuring. I was working amongst skilled and knowledgeable people, that had been working in an industry for many years. I found this very advantageous being able to gain practical skills and knowledge from experienced people whilst still attending college on a day release basis to contribute to my apprenticeship. The gradual handing over of responsibilities to myself as an apprentice in a controlled environment made my learning experience easier, with the knowledge that advice was only one person away.

More employers are looking at apprenticeships favourably by way of integrating the apprentice into the ethos and structure of the company, a bespoke learning. Also, if I was being cynical the company will also receive money from the government to aid your apprenticeship costs. The good thing is it is at no cost to the apprentice.

I chose my apprenticeship and qualified as a mechanical engineer with City and Guilds qualifications, not only in engineering but motor vehicle technology as well. After qualifying and gaining some years of experience I chose to join the fire service and left with the rank of a fire officer. I have also been able to start my own company which has been running for the last four years. I am a councillor and former Mayor of the London Borough of Havering I believe that this is due to the life skills and transferable skills I attained during my apprenticeship for which I am thankful.

The choice is yours; I only hold preference due to my experience. It is a hard choice to make. Consider you qualifications your finances, and where you believe you want to be in the future.

Good luck and may your choice be right for you.

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