Apprenticeships · 5 min read
Why choose an apprenticeship?
A personal, honest answer to why apprenticeships can beat college and university for young people - from Jack Frampton, marketer and apprenticeship advocate in Taunton, Somerset.
By Jack Frampton, Apprentice Advocate working at Queen's College, Taunton · Published 4 August 2026
A question I get asked constantly by my friends is: why did you choose an apprenticeship? They usually follow it with three reasons why they would not. All valid points. But I personally disagree. Here is the honest version, from someone who is living it every day as a marketer at Queen's College, Taunton and an apprenticeship advocate in Somerset.
The three objections I hear most
My friends usually say the same things. First, that the application process is not worth the stress. Second, that they would rather have the fun of college or university. Third, that there is no point working yet if they do not have to.
I understand every one of them. At sixteen, those arguments sound convincing. But they are also the arguments that keep a lot of talented people away from the best start I think exists.
Why I disagree
Apprenticeships are the most rewarding and valuable thing young people can experience. You learn while you gain real industry experience. You pick up knowledge from people who are already experts in their fields. You miss out on student debt entirely. You build real life connections and professional experiences. You work on actual projects that actually matter. And you get your foot in the door, not just in an industry, but in a company that has already shaped you to its standards and values.
That last point is underrated. By the time a graduate is writing their first CV, an apprentice has already contributed to campaigns, sat in real meetings, and learned how a workplace actually runs.
Yes, it can be hard
Apprenticeships are not a soft option. You will feel like you are missing out sometimes. You will have early mornings. You will be the youngest person in the room. You will make mistakes in public and have to fix them.
But the hard parts are also the parts that make it worth it. Responsibility grows you faster than a lecture theatre does.
The feeling that beats everything
Getting that offer. Your first day of work. Learning a new skill and being recognised for it. Being rewarded for something you actually did. Those feelings are bigger than anything you can get elsewhere.
They are not borrowed fun. They are earned confidence. And once you have tasted that, it changes how you see every opportunity that comes after it.
My answer
If you are debating an apprenticeship, go for it. Because once you start, you will not look back.
If you want to talk it through, message me on Jack Frampton on LinkedIn or email jsf@queenscollege.org.uk. I run free apprenticeship support and mentoring for school leavers, parents and anyone trying to work out their next step. You can also read our full UK apprenticeships guide or visit the apprenticeship hub.
Frequently asked questions
- Is an apprenticeship better than university?
- It depends on the person, but for many careers an apprenticeship gives you paid experience, a qualification and no debt by age 21. University suits people who need a specific degree or the full campus experience.
- What if I feel like I am missing out?
- You will sometimes. But you also gain financial independence, real responsibility and a head start. The trade-off is different, not lesser.
- How do I know if an apprenticeship is right for me?
- If you prefer learning by doing, want to earn straight away, and can see yourself in a specific industry, an apprenticeship is worth serious consideration.
- Where can I get help finding an apprenticeship?
- Email jsf@queenscollege.org.uk for free one-to-one help, or search live vacancies on Find an Apprenticeship (GOV.UK).