Further Education – The Benefits

Higher Education and Further Education

News has come from the government this summer, that universities can now charge over the £9000 per year rate for your education, and can start with almost immediate effect from 2017.

This, it is stated, is in line with inflation and it would appear that a figure of £9250 is going to be the cap, although if it continues to be linked, fees of £10,000 per annum would be on the cards in the next few years.

In the world of further education, funding cuts have meant evermore belt tightening, and some institutions struggling for their existence.

Students in universities now, could be hit with the fees hike if their courses run to, or through 2017. Maintenance grants will be axed this year, and average student loan debt currently at something in excess of £40,000, could reach £50,000 before long.

This could impact into the future of the graduate, perhaps affecting their life-planning, such as the timing or even ability to take on a mortgage, or other life decisions.

There is now a new opportunity open to those looking for degree level education, as the government responds to the dramatic rise in the number of apprenticeships being taken up at all levels.

The Degree Apprenticeship is a new route for education which combines hands-on work experience with university study, whilst earning wages.

The degrees are full bachelor or master degrees, which at the moment are limited to around a dozen fields of industry, but these cover a huge diversity, from aerospace engineering, to chartered surveying, or construction.

The familiar apprenticeship format of work while you learn while you earn now applies some of the country’s top academic learning.

The career choice of apprenticeships has seen dramatic growth at all levels. Some school leavers are not cut out for more of the academic life and the apprenticeship can provide an open door to practical learning with up to date techniques with state of the art equipment. Find out more about enrolling on an apprenticeship and a wide range of training to suit all candidates.

An apprentice will learn from experienced professionals on the job, and have off the job training at a local college or training organisation.

The underlying comparison with university student courses, is that the apprentice will be paid for duration of the course, whether from one year, up to four, or even beyond.

The initial wage can be low, but from the age of 19 all apprentice workers will receive at least the national minimum wage. Offset against a potential debt of £40,000 at the end of the course, this beginning to appeal to even more people.