Alternatives to uni

Funding cuts mean up to 200,000 university places may disappear in 2010. Fortunately, higher education isn't the only option you have after finishing school, and it certainly isn't the only route into a good job - around 60% of 18-30 year olds decide uni is not for them each year. So if you're going back to the drawing board, what are your options?

I've heard about apprenticeships – what do they involve?

Apprenticeships simply combine time working for a company and studying a relevant qualification, like an NVQ, at a local college at the same time.

If you enjoy the study involved in your apprenticeship you can take your NVQ further and even use the qualification as a basis to go on and study a degree. If you're the sort of person who likes to learn by doing, rather than by reading about a subject, then apprenticeships could be for you. Contrary to the popular belief, apprenticeships are available in all sorts of professions, not just plumbing, and there are schemes for students in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Are there any other qualifications I can do?

There are hundreds of courses that will help you train for a career and some only take a few months to complete. Organisations like the National Extension College offer courses that prepare you for a particular field (like accountancy or childcare) and allow you to study in your own time. Evening or part-time courses are also a good option if you want to work and study at the same time. Hotcourses has a useful list of courses in your area.

I'd like to set up my own business but have no idea how.

If you're always coming up with ideas for products and services, or you have a knack for spotting gaps in the market, you could be a natural entrepreneur. Running your own business is hard work, but it means you can develop your hobbies or passions. You'll need a range of skills to make it in business – maths, sales and marketing will all be a huge help – but there's no rule that says you need a degree. Look into evening courses and contact your local Connexions office or Business Link for more advice on gaining the skills you need. Remember, the likes of Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Mark Zuckerberg are all doing OK and they never finished university.

Starting your own business doesn't have to cost the earth, but if you do need funding to get started,check out our advice on funding your own business.

Can't I just work my way up the ladder?

Although this isn't possible for every career (you don't find many brain surgeons who started off as hospital porters), picking the right industry and working your way up the ladder could save you time and over £30,000 in student loans.

This option appeals to many people who would rather get straight into the world of work and start earning real money. You could even study for related professional courses as part of your job, which your employer might even pay for, or learn in your own time with a home studying course.

I'm still confused...

After more than a decade in education, the idea of either going straight to uni or heading straight to work may feel like too much to handle. It's a common dilemma and taking some time out is often the answer. Gap years aren't just for the well off. You can work or volunteer your way around the world, paying for your travel with short-term seasonal work like fruit-picking in Australia or working as a chalet maid in a ski resort.

Photo by volunteer photographer Paul Hawkes

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