University Vs. Vocational Training

According to reports from UCAS, in the UK, a record amount of people have been accepted onto university courses over the last few years.

For many of these students, degrees are essential to the career they want, such as; medicine, law, dentistry, etc. However, not all careers require a university degree, and you can reach many through vocational training instead.

Both university and vocational training courses have their pros and cons, and different paths suit different people. Nevertheless, we are encouraging those soon to leave compulsory education or looking to change careers to consider the option of vocational training.

Affordability
Learning Experience
Duration
Class-Size
Career Options
Entry Requirements
University. Vs. Vocational Training
Options Skills Trades Training

Affordability

Regardless of which route you take, one of the first roadblocks people run into is affordability. It is, however, important to view any cost as an investment in your career.

UK university fees are higher than ever before and some of the highest in the world. With an average annual cost of £9,188, a three-year course can result in debt of £27,500 – and that’s not including a student loan. Overall debt after gaining a degree ranges from £50,000 – £57,000. Currently, graduates won’t have to pay back any money until they’re are earning £25,000. Student Finance will write off any remaining debt after 25 years.

In contrast, vocational training courses such as those delivered here at Options Skills cost between £4,000-7,500. You can pay these fees through regular payments or a single one-off payment, depending on what works best for you before beginning the training courses. Therefore, by the time you complete your chosen course and are qualified in your trade, you won’t have any training fees left to pay off.

Learning Experience

Though this varies depending on the university course you’re on, many of them will involve a significant amount of time in lecture halls or seminar rooms. Coursework, essays and exams are often what students marked on, with a dissertation or final project tying up your studies. Through your course, you may have to undertake work experience/have the opportunity to spend time working in the industry.

We organise our courses into three stages. Stage one is centre-led training. During this time, trainees will spend time in our classrooms and workshops learning a mixture of theoretical and practical skills. Following this, trainees will go out to work on-site alongside qualified mentors. The final stage of training will consist of assessments, exams and presentations before earning qualifications.

Duration

The average university course duration is three years. A masters degree adds another year to that, and if you want a PhD, it can take up to eight years to achieve one.

Vocational training courses can vary drastically in duration.

At Options Skills, it will usually take a student a year or two to complete and gain their qualifications. This duration includes all three stages of training. From there, you will continuously progress and learn whilst out in the working world.

Class Size

A single lecture hall could sit up to around 100 people at universities across the country, while standard seminar and classroom sizes can range between 15-25.

Vocational training class sizes tend to be smaller in size. At Options Skills, we limit class sizes to a maximum of ten to ensure our trainees get the attention and guidance they need.

Career Options

When it comes to university, half of all graduates go into a job within their chosen industry within six months of graduating. Many others will go into positions that aren’t directly related to their degree, while some will be unemployed for some time before gaining employment.

There is no guarantee that you will walk into a job straight after studying in any industry. However, when entering the trades industry, you can work on an employed, self-employed or sub-contract basis. This range of career options means that even if you can’t secure a role with a company in the trades, you can go it alone and be self-employed. Though this does take effort to market yourself as a tradesperson, you don’t need to rely on a company for employment.

Entry Requirements

Usually, to be accepted onto a university course, you must already hold specific qualifications. These are often A-Levels or their equivalent, and your grades are converted into UCAS tariff points. To secure a place, you will be expected to meet the point requirements set, with each course having different requirements. Universities will also look at your suitability regarding your skills, interests and any experience you may have. Some will also require an admissions test and interviews.

Requirements to enrol on a training course can range widely depending on the course. For some, you may need 5 A*-C at GCSE level. Others will ask for previous experience.

At Options Skills, we ask those looking to train with us to take an aptitude test. This test allows us to understand your maths and English level to ensure you’re suitable for the course. In addition, our NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training Course also requires a colourblindness test to be undertaken.

Historically, people regarded vocational training and apprenticeships as a lower level of education. And for many, vocational training wasn’t an option, but that’s not the case anymore.

Because of this, many people don’t know what to expect from training courses, but they’re growing in popularity as more people begin to explore all their options.

In addition, training courses often provide learners with the ability to earn money as they train, making them a much more attractive alternative to both school-leavers and mature learners alike.

Regardless of what path you take, whether it’s university or vocational training, make sure it’s right for you and the career you want.

Trades Training With Options Skills

A career in the trades attracts people for a whole host of reasons, from earning potential to job satisfaction.

More and more people are joining the trades industry, and through Options Skills, you can train to become an electrician or gas engineer.

We also deliver ACS renewal for existing gas engineers and wiring regulation updates, and inspection and testing for existing electricians.

With dedicated student liaison managers and a whole team of experienced trainers in each department, our students receive high-quality training and ongoing support throughout and after completion of their course.

If you’re interested in learning a trade, you can speak to a course advisor on 0800 802 1306.