Three strong reasons why university is not the only option

But universities were never designed to produce job-ready graduates. As a result, after three or four years of university study, many graduates find themselves having to do unpaid internships or vocational “finishing” courses to get a toehold in the workforce as they have no work experience.

Earn while you learn

University students incur debt from day one, while having to get a job on the side if they need to pay for their own rent, groceries and other expenses, a considerable downside in a cost-of-living crisis. This can compromise their ability to make the most of their studies, while also reducing their ability to make the most of the social opportunities traditionally valued as part of the university experience.

These high debts are incurred by all students regardless of if they finish their degree or not. Almost one in five domestic university students drop out of their degrees, walking away with large debts and no qualification.

This is due to the high cost of living as well as the expectation on school-leavers to pursue a university degree immediately after graduating from high school, regardless of whether they know what pathway they want to take.

Apprenticeships have always had the benefit that you can earn while you learn – and while you figure out what you want to do with your life. With half of all school-leavers going on to university, including most of those with high marks, completing an apprenticeship is a strong differentiator for a young person to have on their CV. It gives learners a way to master a profession in the level of depth that university alone cannot provide.

Many of Australia’s future industries can, and arguably should, be learned from the ground up by starting as an apprentice. The government is now encouraging renewable energy apprenticeships and there will be thousands of places to be filled – a great start in a growth industry, which will have a huge range of opportunities.

A clever high-school leaver could carve out an impressive CV by undertaking an apprenticeship in this space and then going on to do an engineering degree part-time, while working and earning in the sector. Many advanced manufacturing opportunities will also have an apprenticeship pathway that acts as a strong foundation and a more targeted career investment than the type of broad exploratory degree often embarked on by young people unclear on what exactly they want to be.

Businesses, recognising that they can access a more diverse talent pool by offering apprenticeships, are now also creating on-the-job qualifications in IT and finance. These modern apprenticeships require a sharp intellect and adaptability, making them first-rate options for the academically inclined.

Choosing an apprenticeship over university, especially with high marks, is a bold statement in a society that often equates academic success with university education. It’s a choice that challenges norms and broadens the definition of success. It empowers young individuals to tailor their education to their strengths, interests, and career aspirations.

As school-leavers receive their marks, it’s crucial to remember that these scores are not just a passport to university. They are a testament to the student’s capability to excel in various fields, including those offered through apprenticeships.

In an ever-changing world, where practical skills are increasingly valued, apprenticeships can be a rewarding, and prestigious pathway. It’s time to embrace a broader view of post-school options and recognise apprenticeships as a savvy choice for Australia’s brightest minds.

Gary Workman is CEO of the Global Apprenticeship Network (Australia).