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Alternatives to university
Demand for full-time university study is set to outstrip the number of places available again this year. Added to that, from 2012 providers will charge up to £9,000 a year for full-time study. But there are other things to try and other ways of gaining higher level skills.
Jobs with potential for degree level training
There are many jobs with training to degree level and at the end you'll probably have a healthy bank balance too! Look at A to H - Administration to Hotel and catering and J to S - Journalism to Social work. If you're interested in finding employment try our general sources of help. If you live in the South East use our county specific information and online job searching links.
Part time higher education
Look at the part time study choices and short courses at your nearest college or university so that you can earn and learn at the same time, or try the Open University where all courses are part-time and studied at home. The OU is open entry and enables you to build up courses to create qualifications, many of which are specialised and recognised by professional bodies.
Employer supported study
Employer led short courses are designed to give trainees the skills they need to do their job. Many employers encourage staff to gain qualifications and provide help with the fees and time off to study. This could be anything from 5 evenings to learn Sage Accounting to an evening a week over a year to train as a Legal Executive. Alternatively, there are NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) in subjects like Health and Social Care, Computer Aided Design, Management, Marketing, Web design, Personnel Practice and much more.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships, advanced and higher apprenticeships are available in a range of occupational areas and lead to work-related qualifications. Higher Apprenticeships offer a route to higher education and may be your starting point for registering for professional status.
Starting your own business/self employment
- Start Up Britain, launched in March 2011, is a new compaign by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs
- If you have a business idea, there are various business startup organisations which can advise you. Business Link - Helpline 0845 600 9006 - has a wealth of online information.
Funds and funding advice
- Prince's Trust offers loans for people aged 14-30 to set up their own business.
- Shell liveWIRE provides advice to people aged 16-30 to start and develop their own businesses - it also runs an annual competititon for young entrepreneurs with a prize of over £10,000.
