For generations, university was the dream goal for school leavers and their parents. It was seen as a chance to cut their teeth into the adult world, further their qualifications and set themselves up for a well paid job. But with the number of applications falling for universities across the country, it appears something has changed.
There are several factors that explain a new generations reluctance to attend university:
1. The growing cost of getting a degree
Graduates pay their fees once they are earning over £21,000 a year.
However, a majority of graduates struggle to find a high paying job they were told their degree would help them achieve.
With tuition fees now being £9,000 a year, this leaves most graduates with around £40,000 of debt after their course.
The feeling of this debt looming over graduates’ finances has put many young people off attending university.
2. Decreasing job prospects for graduates
Average student satisfaction rates have fallen over the last few years.
This takes into account factors like support from the university, quality of teaching and future career prospects after graduating.
The government released data detailing career prospects of a degree and the data showed that the majority of courses don’t lead to a well paid job.
Increasingly, people are realising that they don’t need a degree to secure the jobs they want.
3. Differing learning styles
A lot of young people may feel that the traditional classroom style of learning does not work for them.
Instead they are looking for a blend of qualifications and practical skills that will set them up for the future.
Not only does this allow them to secure relevant employment quicker, but it helps them stay focused on their learning and more likely to secure a qualification instead of dropping out.
So if a different style of learning can improve your chances at your chosen profession and the likelihood of you earning, it is easy to see why this can be preferable to a degree.
4. Ready to start earning
For most courses, a student can expect to attend university for 3-4 years with some courses even requiring a placement year in the chosen industry.
Many students struggle to make ends meet without financial support and some courses make it difficult to take part time jobs to help with living costs.
Therefore people find it best to begin working, but this doesn’t have to come without more qualifications.
Apprenticeships allow you to both study and earn at the same time without the debt that comes with a degree.
As part of your programme you will spend 20% of your time completing training towards your qualifications, with the rest of your time spent earning and learning in a practical environment with one of our top London employers.
There is a huge range of apprenticeships available – from Software Development to Digital Marketing, many apprenticeships can give you the skills you’ll need to land a well-paid job.
