These are some of the most important career decisions they will make. Taking the time to research thoroughly will be worth its weight in gold further down the line.
There are two obvious routes. One option is to go to university and undertake an undergraduate degree. The other is to move onto a school-leaver programme, which is most commonly an apprenticeship.
While university is the right choice for many, it doesn’t work for everyone. Careers that were once only accessible through higher education are now viable routes for those who want to do an apprenticeship. For example, degree apprenticeships offer an alternative way of accessing higher education while also gaining valuable work experience and earning money.
Here are some tips for students weighing up their options.
Prospects Early Careers Survey showed that 39% of school and college students think that a degree has a better reputation than an apprenticeship and one in ten said their parents are against the apprentice route. This is possibly due to the persistence of stereotypical views of apprenticeships that regard them as being a less worthy route into employment than a degree.
In fact, modern apprenticeships are very different proposition to when many parents were at school and the fusing of work and education provides a great opportunity for a young person to develop and grow with an employer. It’s important to get a really honest and realistic perspective on what an apprenticeship today is like. Seeking professional guidance is vital to this.
Prospects Early Careers Survey highlighted the significant influence family members have on young people when they are making important decisions about their careers. The survey found that school students were particularly reliant on their families for careers advice (65%), compared to teachers (57%) and careers professionals (35%).
Talking to parents and friends is part of decision-making as they will be people who know you the best. However, it’s important to supplement this with professional advice to ensure the next steps are the right ones. In addition to looking at the advice on Prospects.ac.uk, which is written by professional career advisors, students should look at the National Careers Service website. Employer websites can also be helpful as well as talking to teachers and advisers at school or college.
Information about going to university is widespread, so take your time to consider what you’d like to study and where you’d like to go. As many of the apprenticeship opportunities are relatively new in comparison you may have to work a bit harder to get a good handle on the options available.
There is a raft of apprenticeships to explore and think about and they cover the full range of sectors from law to IT. The system can be a little more complex to navigate with different levels and opportunities offered by both employers and educators, but there is lots of information available if you look. Government information about becoming an apprentice is a good place to start. Prospects.ac.uk also explains the different types of apprenticeships with information on decision-making.
Chris Rea is a careers expert for Prospects at Jisc.
Chris has worked at Prospects, now part of Jisc, for more than 25 years. He has taken on various roles including Head of Higher Education Services where he led the Hedd degree fraud service.
Chris currently leads Prospects’ income-generating activities, including recruitment campaigns for postgraduate course providers and graduate employers and Hedd.
A regular speaker at conferences and events, Chris’ areas of expertise are postgraduate funding, graduate careers and employability, degree fraud, internships and social mobility.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.