While A-levels are an excellent way to get into university, they鈥檙e not the only option.
Apprenticeships and vocational qualifications can also help you get onto your dream course. Our experts explain how that works.
In this short film, our team of experts explain how taking an apprenticeship could get you into university.
"An apprenticeship is basically work-based training. So, you go to work, you get paid like anyone else, but you also work towards getting a qualification. So, quite often, you鈥檒l spend most of your time in work, and then maybe one day a week, you鈥檒l be going to college or another training provider, so at the end of the apprenticeship, you get one or two years of work experience. In addition, you work towards getting a qualification."
"Apprenticeships are available at a variety of levels. So, you can do an apprenticeship at Level 2, which is intermediate, or you can do apprenticeships at Level 3, or indeed above. So, it depends on your previous qualifications and it also depends on the particular area that you want to go into. When you do an apprenticeship, you will actually be at work probably four days a week, and then you would go into college on one day a week to do the theory behind the practice that you鈥檙e doing in the apprenticeship. So, if you鈥檙e the type of person who would like to work, would like to earn some money, and really thrive on a hands-on work experience, then an apprenticeship is just the thing for you."
"Apprenticeships and colleges provide options for university, because to go to university, you need to have at least a Level 3 qualification. If you do an apprenticeship at Level 3, that will open the door to university. If you do a college course such as A-levels or a vocational qualification at Level 3, that will also open the door to university."
"You could also do an apprenticeship at degree level, thus cutting out the need for university altogether. You鈥檝e got your degree-level apprenticeship without your degree-level fees."
What will I need to get into uni?
- You will need Level 3 qualifications to get into university
- Apprenticeships, A-levels and vocational qualifications (including T-levels) all provide Level 3 qualifications, so they鈥檙e all excellent ways to get into university
Find out more about A-level and whether they're right for you
Thinking of switching to a vocational path?
- An apprenticeship is a form of work-based training. You work, get paid, and work towards a qualification at the same time
- Apprenticeships are available at a variety of levels: you can do Level 2 intermediate apprenticeships, or Level 3 and above, depending on your previous qualifications and the particular area you want to work in
- Normally, during an apprenticeship you will work four days a week and go to college or another training provider one day a week. This is when you do the theory behind the practice
- If you鈥檇 like to work, earn money and you know you thrive on hands-on work experience, an apprenticeship could be the best way forward
Find out more about starting work as an apprentice
- You could also do an apprenticeship at degree level. So you get a degree level qualification, but without the fees!
Find out what a degree apprenticeship is and whether it's right for you
- If you're based in England, you could also consider doing a T-level. You can find more information on these here.
Our Mind Set experts talk through the different options available.
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