Why choose skills over Uni?

'500 000 Jobs' Today Tonight - 10 November 2009

Going straight into a job might be better than doing a University degree as Australia is in an apprenticeships drought. Watch Darren Cocks from ABLAC on Today Tonight discussing the opportunities and benefits of apprenticeships and traineeships.

Skills or Uni?

If you like the idea of hands-on practical work and learning on the job an apprenticeship or traineeship is a career path that will suit you.

Whilst once parents and teachers might have thought that Uni was the best option, this is definitely no longer the case. An apprenticeship or traineeship is an alternative way of pursuing your career.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are more than just jobs - they're a great way to set yourself up for the career you want.

You end up with a qualification that is recognised in Australia and internationally. It gives you a big advantage in the job market, with both practical experience and the training that employers are looking for.

Skills shortage

There are skills shortages right around Australia. This means that when you're qualified you'll be in demand - and paid well too.

You may have heard of Australia's skills shortages. This means that there aren't enough people with the specialist skills that are needed to do a particular kind of work.

The kind of skills in demand can be very different from place to place. One area might have a demand for skilled hairdressers and horticulturists, while another might have a demand for plumbers and childcare workers.

The good news for job seekers is that there are a number of apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications which cover skills shortage areas.

This means:

• there will be more jobs for people with these skills
• and because these skills are in demand they usually pay more

BTW- don't choose a career based on which jobs come under a skills shortage definition. It's always better to pick up a job that actually interests you. Find out what job will suit you by doing our skillsroad career quiz.

Money Money Money

The best thing about starting an apprenticeship or traineeship instead of going to Uni is that you start earning straight away.

University students leave Uni sometimes with thousands of dollars of debt. Choose skills over Uni and you will be financially independent much sooner than you think.

Further study

Traineeships and apprenticeships are often just the beginning of someone's career journey, and can lead to related studies at TAFE or Uni.

Here's an example of this. Say you're an apprentice doing a Certificate III qualification in the building and construction industry… later you may choose to enrol in a Uni course such as a Bachelor of Building and Construction Management. You will be able to use the qualifications and experience you gained while doing an apprenticeship and possibly gain credits from the course towards your degree.

The greatest benefit of being an apprentice or trainee is that you’ll keep your options open while you gain valuable skills, work experience and qualifications. Whether you later complete a related Uni course or not, you will still be very competitive when competing for jobs.

The real-world, practical experience on building sites will give you an excellent understanding of the industry.

Snapshots

Snapshot 1– Start your career while at high school 

At just 19 years old, Alex Stones’ role is to manage the gym, and also to assist with lifeguard duties at the pool, swimming lessons and coordinating vacation care activities.

Snapshot 2 - Brenton the Builder is a school based apprentice

As a ‘school based apprentice’, Brenton spent one day on-site, one day at TAFE - and the remaining school days at school, working towards his HSC.

Snapshot 3 - Local bike shop gives young people opportunites

Kurt is working towards a nationally recognised qualification: Automotive Services - Automotive Sales (Bicycle) Certificate III.