Young people could be forgiven for fearing that it’s a case of ‘university or nothing’ when their school days come to an end, such is the focus on the need to get a degree on their CV. Yet about 70% of young people do not go on to study at university and a great many of them never once look back in regret at their decision. There is not right or wrong career path to take, but there are ways to thrive in or out of study.
Here are five amazing jobs that you can aspire to without the need for a university degree:
Air traffic controller
Air traffic controllers earn £40k-plus for their efforts – and don’t need to have done a degree to get their jobs. The National Air Traffic Services (NATS) body runs training courses for applicants and although it is competitive to get on these your suitability does depend on your skill set. NATS looks for qualities such as motivation, conscientiousness, decisiveness and confidence.
Project manager
Like to be right at the heart of the action? Project management is a pivotal position that helps ensure the smooth delivery of a whole host of business projects. You’d need to be super-organised, a good communicator and good at getting things done to deadline: those are your qualifications. You need to handle the fine details that help to get the job done – turning action points such as ‘utilise industrial blast room’ in an order from Airblast or ‘book transport’ into a seat on the 9:45 to King’s Cross, and be able to chase and support colleagues into delivering their arm of a wider project. It’s non-stop, varied and it doesn’t need a degree.
London Underground driver
This vital role – which helps keep the busy capital moving each and every day – is a good opportunity for someone who doesn’t opt to attend university. Drivers earn £24,000-plus while they start their training, with the ability to earn about £50,000 once they become experienced in the role. You can start on the path to this job by taking a customer service role or searching out an apprenticeship.
Writer
Have you got a way with words? The beauty of the internet is that many of the barriers to becoming a writer have disappeared. It’s now possible to set up your own website and blog with a few simple clicks and you’ll be able to use these to showcase your talents. Evidence of good work will outweigh the need for a degree as proof of your credentials. Writers are able to get freelance marketing assignments or can use their groundwork as a way into journalism positions.
Firefighter
Fitness and a dedication to do something worthy are right at the heart of what makes a good firefighter. A person’s personal and physical qualities are, therefore, put before their academic prowess. It’s a position of responsibility that might well require work at unsociable hours and in tough conditions but is ultimately very rewarding and highly respected. Salaries range from £21,000 as a trainee up to £40,000 as a crew manager.
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