A-level results day is fast approaching and, while a lot of students will already have their university plans set in stone, others are less sure about the next step to take after they leave school.
But there is plenty you can do if you don’t feel higher education is the right way to go.
According to Future-Mag, around half of graduates say they would reconsider university if they were given the choice again.
Since businesses and the government have invested money in more professional training, there has been a rise in the number of apprenticeships available to school-leavers.
Three in four UK businesses believe that students will begin to choose 'earn as you learn’ routes over a traditional higher education in the next five years.
Here are the 11 best jobs you can get without needing a degree, according to Future-Mag. The salary information came from the government's National Careers Service.
1. Air Traffic Controller
What they do
24 hours a day, they help to keep some of the busiest airspace in the world moving. Air traffic controllers give information and advice to airline pilots to help them take off and land safely and on time.
How to get there
You have to be over 18 and have at least five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 4 or above (previously A-C) or Scottish Nationals 5 Grade A-C or equivalent, including English and maths. As well as having a good level of physical and mental fitness, you must satisfy the basic medical requirements set down by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Pay
£17,000 to £50,000
2. Solicitor
What they do
Solicitors advise their clients on the law, and can specialise in a host of areas, including commercial, criminal and family law, and much more.
How to get there
You can now become a solicitor by training on the job since new solicitor apprenticeships (level 7) which were approved in 2015. This is not an easy route – you will need to pass a series of tough exams. You will need good A-levels and it can take five to six years to complete.
Pay
£25,000 to £100,000
3. Junior 2D artist – visual effects
What they do
Help artists produce all the whizzy visual effects (VFX). They assist senior VFX artists and prepare the elements required for the final shots. Eventually they will be employed by post production companies working on commercials, television series and feature films.
How to get there
You can do a practical short course at London’s MetFilm School (Ealing Studios) and try to get into the industry that way, or do an apprenticeship via Next Gen
Pay
From £18,000 to £50,000 once qualified
4. Laboratory Technician
What they do
Lab technicians work in many areas from forensic to medical science, nuclear and more. They might set up experiments, record data, collect and analyse samples and do all the day-to-day jobs of laboratory work.
How to get there
Any relevant science A-levels will help, and you can apply for a two-year apprenticeship scheme through relevant employers.
Pay
£15,000 to £30,000 plus
5. Police Officer
What they do
If you have been considering this as a career, now could be the right time to apply. Police officers keep law and order, investigate crime, and support crime prevention.
How to get there
There is no formal educational requirement for direct application, but you will have to be physically fit and pass written tests. Or, you could start by doing a police constable degree apprenticeship. You will usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A-levels for a degree apprenticeship. You can get a taste of what it is like to work with the police by volunteering as a special constable.
Pay
£20,000 to £60,000
6. Environmental conservation officer
What they do
Monitor the outdoors, encourage others to enjoy the environments around them, manage wildlife habitats, monitor rivers prone to flooding and coastal areas
How to get there
Try volunteering and apply for an environmental conservation apprenticeship – Landex has a map of providers.
Pay
From £18,000
7. Professional Services
What they do
A whole range, from auditing, consulting, financial advisory work, internal client services, to risk advisory and tax consulting. They will work with clients from a variety of industries and will develop valuable business advisory skills – even management consultancy is an option.
How to get there
Big companies such as Deloitte and PwC offer professional services higher apprenticeships which help A-level students gain a range professional qualifications.
Pay
£18,000 to £80,000 plus depending on specialism
8. Computer forensic analyst (cyber security)
What they do
Investigate and thwart cyber crime. They might work for the police or security services, or for computer security specialists and in-house teams.
How to get there
Cyber security professionals are in high demand in both the public and private sector in the wake of high-level breaches and perceived terrorism threats. Cyber security higher apprenticeships (level 4) are offered by major infrastructure and energy companies and the security services.
Pay
£20,000 to £60,000
9. Nuclear Engineer
What they do
Ensure the safe running of a nuclear power station, or development of defence capability. They cover a whole range of tasks linked to nuclear power, from helping design and build new plants to monitoring radiation to planning safe disposal of nuclear waste.
How to get there
The National Nuclear Laboratory offers apprenticeships and the Ministry of Defence has a new nuclear undergraduate engineering apprenticeship. More broadly, there’s a massive national shortage of engineers and companies are pushing on-the-job training in many sectors.
Pay
£24,000 to £70,000
10. Youth worker
What they do
They might work with local services, youth offending teams or voluntary organisations and community groups. They might help organise sports and other activities, or be involved on counselling and mentoring, or liaising with authorities.
How to get there
Many enter youth work as a volunteer or paid worker, but you can now qualify via a youth work apprenticeship.
Pay
£23,250 to £37,500
11. Royal Navy officer
What they do
Undergo leadership training before choosing from a wide range of specialisms, from navigation to submarines, intelligence or mine warfare.
How to get there
You will typically need five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) or above and 2 to 3 A-levels. If you’re an A-level student, you’ll have to take aptitude and ability tests, pass a fitness test and interview before a more rigorous assessment to see if you’re capable mentally and physically.
If successful, you can begin officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.
Pay
From £27,300 to £46,000
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