7 September 2023
Apprenticeships or A-Levels?
A question for you: what will you do after your GCSEs?
Naturally, most students progress onto A-Levels, BTEC Diplomas or T Levels after their exams, but other options are available to you. More and more of your peers are choosing to do apprenticeships after they finish their GCSEs.
In recent years, the government has invested lots of money and resources in increasing apprenticeship opportunities. There are now thousands of schemes available in a crazy range of sectors.
It’s not an easy decision, but to help you choose the best path, we’ll do the hard work for you and compare apprenticeships and A-Levels.
- Apprenticeships vs A levels: The benefits
- What are apprenticeships?
- What are A Levels?
- Apprenticeships vs A Levels: What qualifications will you get?
Apprenticeships vs A-Levels: The benefits
Before we get into the hows, whats, and whys… here’s a very quick overview of the benefits of both apprenticeships and A-Levels.
Apprenticeships
- Combination of practical, on-the-job learning and classroom learning
- Learning from experienced professionals
- Earn a wage
- Opportunity to work your way up the apprenticeship ladder, even up to degree level (and you don’t have to pay any uni fees).
A-Levels
- Similar to GCSEs in style. So, the transition from year 11 to year 12 is smooth
- The most traditional path for going to university
- You can study the GCSE subjects that you enjoyed and did well in at a more advanced level
- A-Levels are widely respected and are always included in the entry requirements for university and jobs.
What are apprenticeships?
Designed for 16-24-year-olds, apprenticeships combine real work with academic learning. They’re an opportunity to start a career immediately after finishing your GCSEs.
An apprenticeship is an actual job. It’s full-time, but you’ll also work towards qualifications alongside your role at a local college or training centre.
There are four different tiers of apprenticeship available. These are…
Salaries
On top of that, you also get paid! Currently, the Minimum Wage for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour. However, you’ll be pleased to know that employers pay much more.
Salaries for a level 2 apprenticeship can range between £12,000 and £21,000 a year, and a level 3 apprentice can earn between £12,000 and £25,000. So there are plenty of opportunities to save for those loafers you really wanted.
What are A-Levels?
You’ve likely sat through many assemblies about them or have friends and siblings who have done them, but what exactly are A-Levels? Let’s break it down.
A-Levels are qualifications for 16 to 18-year-olds and are the natural next step after GCSEs. A-Level students remain in school or college for two more years studying three or four main subjects.
If you’re in Scotland, they’re referred to as Scottish Highers, but the qualifications are the same.
The breakdown
A-Levels are split over two years. In Year 12, you’ll start working towards your final exams and probably have a few mock exams to help you prepare. Year 13 is when all the exams and coursework you do will count towards your final grade.
As you’ll only be studying three or four subjects, you’ll have free time outside your classes. How you spend this time is really dependent on your school.
You might be given free periods to study or take a trip to the local park. Or you may stay in school for the entire week and have allotted study periods.
Most students do A-Levels because they want to go to university, but as you’re about to discover, it’s not the only route to a degree!
Apprenticeships vs A Levels
Apprenticeships
Intermediate (level 2)
An intermediate apprenticeship is good if you didn’t do as well in your GCSEs as you’d hoped. Most employers require you to have only two or more GCSEs (A* – C), including English and Maths.
The types of qualifications you could get after completing an intermediate apprenticeship are:
- An NVQ level 2
- Knowledge-based qualification (such as a BTEC Diploma and Certificate)
- Completing your apprenticeship is equivalent to five GCSE passes.
These qualifications will differ for each apprenticeship, as each NVQ and knowledge-based qualification will be specific to the sector and job role you’re working in.
Once you’ve completed an intermediate apprenticeship, you can progress up the apprenticeship ladder so you can continue your training and gain more qualifications.
Advanced (level 3)
Becoming an advanced apprentice is just like going to sixth form or college. You’ll gain qualifications equivalent to A-Levels and be able to progress onto further apprenticeships:
- An NVQ level 3
- A Knowledge-based qualification (such as a BTEC)
- Equivalent to two A Levels.
These qualifications will differ for each apprenticeship, as each NVQ and knowledge-based qualification will be specific to the sector and job role you’re working in.
After finishing an advanced apprenticeship, you’ll be eligible for a higher apprenticeship or even a degree apprenticeship. This means you can get a degree while working as an apprentice!
If you stay in school…
If you stay in school after your GCSEs, you’ll work towards A-Level qualifications. Typically, you’ll study four subjects in the first year and continue with three in the second.
You’re graded at A* to E and receive UCAS points depending on your grade for each subject. The UCAS points calculator is the easiest way to determine how many points you can acquire.
Once you’re in Year 13 or your second year at college, it’s decision time: Will you do an apprenticeship or go to university?
Do your research and go with what works for you
If you want to start working straight away, an apprenticeship will be your best friend. It’s an opportunity to learn through practical work and get real experience and qualifications — all at the same time.
On the other hand, studying for A-Levels is probably the best option if you want to stay in school and prefer classroom learning.
Another sixth form college might offer subjects that your school doesn’t teach. So remember, you can look at other sixth-form colleges, you don’t have to stay in the same school. Plus, a change of scenery is always a bonus.
I’m leaning towards university
If you want to go to university and get a degree, the traditional route is GCSEs, A-Levels or BTEC Diploma, then university. However, remember that you can still get a degree if you take the apprenticeship path.
Some intermediate and advanced apprentices progress to the top of the apprenticeship ladder: level 7 schemes end with a master’s degree!
Yes to A-Levels. No to university
If you decide to go for your A-Levels but don’t particularly fancy uni, the opportunity to do an apprenticeship hasn’t passed. You can even do an apprenticeship after uni — if you already have a degree or didn’t finish university.
If you want to start earning right out of sixth form or college, like an old friend – the apprenticeship will always be there.
