Completing A-Levels is exciting, but young people in the UK face one of the biggest dilemmas in their lives so far. This beckons a big question. University or Apprenticeship? And which route really pays off.
I spoke with student at the University of Brighton Bailey Hall and Henly Projects apprentice Harris Moran, both specialising in construction management and quantity surveying to truly understand and share both sides of each route.
University is the traditional route post-A-Levels. It offers academic structure that some may feel is more suited to their learning style. Campus experience is a great way to learn how to begin living independently. Furthermore, the wider student life consists of exploring new places, making new friends, and establishing core memories all while obtaining a degree.
I asked Bailey why he choose the university route, “I chose this route because it offered me the shortest amount of time to obtain a degree. I was getting seriously fed up of being in education for so long.”
I further asked if he seriously considered an apprenticeship before choosing university, “Yes, I was actually offered a degree apprenticeship with a company. However, I declined it as it was a five-year programme, in which I would have had to stay at least a year afterwards to pay them back for the degree. There was a very strict contract, and if I left within those six years, I would be required to pay back the expenses.”
Apprenticeships offer a more practical route. The opportunity to earn a salary straight away can be very appealing. It offers instant workplace experience, earlier industry exposure from a younger age, and does not come with the thousands in traditional student debt.
Collectively, each route has different benefits for different people, it is all about discovering what route is best for you and why?
When asked why he chose an apprenticeship, Harris said, “I chose to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to gain practical experience while earning money and gaining qualifications simultaneously.”
“There was some pressure in making my decision for sure. University is seen as the traditional route, but once I explained the benefits in my apprenticeship, people supported my decision.”
Money plays a major role in the decision making of which route young adults take. For 2025/26, the maximum standard full-time undergraduate fee is £9,535. Over three years, that is up to £28.605 in tuition fees alone before maintenance costs. The House of Commons library states that the average debt among borrowers who finished their course in 2024 was £53,000 when they became liable to repay in April 2025.
I asked if student debt and tuition fees affected Bailey’s decision and if he believes university is worth the financial cost, “Not really as it is really not much you have to pay back once you start earning and overtime the degree will help you get a better job. In my yes, the debt is worth it.”
“Yes, I believe the financial cost is worth it. Not for the first few years, but once a good job is obtained, then I can recover from the debt.”
University is very serious financially for students and parents with many families unable to cover the costs and therefore they may seek an apprenticeship to start earning instead.
“Avoiding student debt was a big factor when I was making my decision. I wanted to learn and gain experience without having to pay university fees,” said Harris.
UCAS reported that 59% of young people in Years 9-12 were considering an apprenticeship, with 42% citing earning while learning as the main advantage.
I asked Harris on how clear his career progression is after the apprenticeship, “From the moment I joined, my career progression was clear. I start with my five-year apprenticeship with many opportunities along the way to gain more qualifications, giving me experience to qualify for further senior roles.”
When asking Bailey if he is confident on securing a job after graduation, he said, “I am relatively confident. The construction industry needs more construction professionals to come through. Many graduate schemes are available and in place.”
I further wanted to know if Bailey felt his course was preparing him for entering real work like Harris has already been doing, he said, “Partially, I think it is still basic and you only learn the basic understanding of the industry. Most people still don’t feel prepared going into the industry and an take a year or two to understand, that is why graduate schemes are good.”
Apprentices may gain experience earlier but may miss out on the broader university experience. Meanwhile, the university student may gain independence and academic knowledge, but graduate without the less direct workplace experience.
I asked both if looking back, would they make the same decision and why?
“Yes, I would not change it as I have lived by myself for three years which has taught me the most. It was also the shortest duration for getting a degree which I need for my future, so it was well worth it,” said Bailey.
“Yeah, I would, it has given me experience, qualification and financial independence early on,” said Harris.
They both gave advice on what they feel is best if you are unsure between university and apprenticeship.
“I would say to choose the route that suits best your learning style and career goals,” said Harris.
“Don’t worry about the debt as that is what student finance is for and do whatever feels best for you. I think both options are great,” said Bailey.
Overall, the question is not whether university or apprenticeships are better. It is whether students want to invest first and earn later or earn now while entering the profession earlier. It simply comes down to finding what benefits and suits you financially, professionally, and personally.