It can be a daunting prospect thinking about taking an alternative route to university. In 2023, 35.8% of 18-year-olds entered full-time higher education courses which is close to the second-highest level on record. Many may be looking around their own social circles and feeling the pressure to follow in their friends’ footsteps, however, it is important to know that there are other options out there.
There has been plenty of criticism thrown at university courses in 2024, and one of the key points people make is just how hard it is to breakthrough and secure a permanent job after receiving a degree. Last year there were just 60.4% of graduates living in England aged 21-30 that were in “high-skilled” work, while 26.4% of this group were in medium or low-skilled employment and 5.5% unemployed.
One of the most well-known alternatives to university are apprenticeships; they allow you to learn the skills needed for a particular career from an early age, and often provide an increased chance of securing a full-time role following successful completion of the course.
This is where having a mentor can make such a difference. A mentor can sit down with you, take time to understand exactly what it is that you want to get out of a career or if you don’t know that, help with any ideas that could help to shape a more solid path.
Undoubtedly, there is a lot of pressure on young people when it comes to deciding about what their next steps are going to be after leaving school or college. Sometimes it can be important to let that young person know that they shouldn’t, and actually don’t have to, rush into a decision. Those next steps are so important and so it is important to make an informed choice.
The option of a gap year to travel and gain new experiences is something that many opt to do before starting their career and this can provide you with the time to think and processes which direction you really want to go in. Mentors can be extremely beneficial in this situation too, as they can help you to formulate a plan to ensure that when you return from your travels you aren’t left wondering what to do next.
PushFar Co-Founder and CEO Ed Johnson said: “If taking time out or starting an apprenticeship aren’t options that you think appeal to you, then don’t panic. It is not unusual to struggle with picking a career path out from such a young age and then actually stick to it even if you have one in mind. Circumstances change and new doors open all the time.
“You can experience one industry and decide to make a change if it’s not for you, it’s all about learning. A mentor can be there in those difficult times to provide support when needed.”
