Apprenticeship vs. university
The end of school is an important time in your life.
If you’re unsure about what to do next, don’t assume that university is your only option to launch a successful and rewarding career. An apprenticeship can also give you a recognised professional award, with options to pursue a degree later if you choose. There are no limitations to what you can achieve with an apprenticeship.
Gets skills and experience right away
As an accounting apprentice, you’ll be gaining skills and experience earlier than your peers because you’ll be working and studying straight away. You’ll get to start making an immediate impact in your job and show your employer the value you can bring to their business while they support you during your studies.
Avoid debt, make money
With an apprenticeship, you’ll be earning a salary and will avoid building up the student debt that can come university study.
A recent report by the Sutton Trust, an education charity that focuses on improving social mobility, showed that high-quality apprenticeships lead to lifetime earnings comparable with those achieved by graduates.
Apprenticeship vs university comparison
For a comparison of the pros and cons of the apprenticeship versus university route to becoming a fully chartered certified accountant, download our infographic (.png format, 93KB)
Apprenticeship | University |
|
| Cost: | Free to you | c.£9,000 per year (England/Wales only) plus living expenses Ave. £50,000k debt on graduation (interest included) |
| Duration: | 12 months minimum | Three years+ |
| Source of income: | Earn while you learn | Part-time work on-top of study to fund lifestyle |
| Experience: | On-the-job work experience: valuable practical and transferable skills | Little or no work experience |
| Education level: | Diploma and Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree options available | Bachelor’s degree or higher |
| Networking: | Start building your professional network | Social life, sports and activities and new connections |
| Pathway: | ACCA Apprenticeship is a globally respected professional award and includes a Diploma qualification | Recognised degree with access to graduate schemes |
| Qualifying: | Three years+ to become a fully chartered certified accountant | Six years to become a full certified chartered accountant |
