There are multiple options for students that feel they would be best served outside the traditional post-secondary education system or want to develop other skills before heading to university. These options include cost-effective ways of preparing yourself for a successful career.
Degree apprenticeships in the UK combine the academic study of a university degree, with the practical experience of an apprenticeship. Courses vary but you will typically work for three or four days a week alongside studying at university for one or two days with extra time off from work around exams to revise. You get a salary and a pension and your university fees are paid by your employer. You will graduate with a full university bachelor's degree, but unlike other UK courses, you apply directly through the employer, rather than UCAS.
Foundation degrees are a one to two year program for students that may not know exactly what they want to study, are lacking specific qualifications for a full degree or want to develop their knowledge further in a specific area. An example of this is art, so you can build a strong portfolio before applying to an art degree. They are also appropriate for students that don’t want to do a full degree but want a qualification before entering the workforce. A foundation degree is part of a full bachelors degree in the UK and sometimes Canada, so you can jump in with ease. Be aware there are certain foundation years only available to international passport holders from specific countries.
Traineeships are short courses with work experience designed to prepare students for a full apprenticeship, higher education or full-time work. They are short term, typically lasting 6 weeks - 6 months, and unlike traineeships are unpaid. Programs consist of dental nursing, IT, childcare and many more!
There are over a thousand community colleges in the United States and most offer a variety of two year Associate degrees or certificates that prepare both domestic and international students immediately for their first job. Community colleges offer traditional academic classes like math and history that will transfer to a four-year university. They are more affordable than traditional US universities so some students elect to complete their prerequisites at community college before transferring to a four year institution.
Many programming jobs are well paid and don’t require a university degree. A Coding School or Bootcamp offer programs or certifications to learn skills quickly and effectively such as JavaScript and Python, so you can enter the workforce quickly. Many of these programs are free as well, making them accessible to everyone.
There are ample jobs available that don’t require degrees, work allows you the income to explore other passion areas such as art, music and starting your own business.
Many of the most successful humans in the world didn’t graduate from a university, so perhaps you’ve already started developing your own idea and want to develop it further. Just make sure you have a business plan in place and capital before undertaking such a venture.