If you’re weighing up your next move after school or college, chances are you’re considering taking a gap year or jumping straight into a degree apprenticeship. One offers time and freedom to explore, while the other gives you a head start in a career and a degree without the mountain of student debt. So, which one’s right for you?
What a Gap Year Really Offers
A gap year can be a life-changing experience, and not just in the way Instagram might make it seem… while travelling to Southeast Asia or volunteering abroad is part of the story, many people use this time to earn money, gain work experience, or figure out what they actually want to do next.
Taking a breather from traditional education can help you grow up fast, travelling can teach you how to budget, manage your time, and think independently. You might come back with sharper communication skills, a broader perspective, or even a whole new plan for your future.
But here’s the catch: not all gap years are equally productive. Without a clear goal or structure, it’s easy for a year to fly by without much progress. Employers and universities will expect you to show how you used the time meaningfully, so it’s worth asking yourself: “What do I want to get out of this?”
Why Degree Apprenticeships Are Gaining Ground
On the flip side, degree apprenticeships combine paid work with university study, giving you the chance to earn a wage, gain on-the-job experience, and graduate without tuition fees. They’re ideal if you want to start building your career right away but still value higher education.
You’ll be employed by a company, typically working four days a week, and studying one day a week at a university or college. The course length is usually the same as a full-time degree (three to six years depending on the field), but you’ll walk away with no student loan and a solid CV.
Degree apprenticeships are available in everything from tech and engineering to law, healthcare, and digital marketing. Major employers like the BBC, Rolls-Royce, KPMG, and even the NHS are investing heavily in these routes—so the opportunities are expanding fast.
The main downside? It’s a big commitment. You’ll have less freedom than your university mates, less chance to travel during term breaks, and your workload will be high. But if you’re motivated, focused, and eager to dive into a real-world career, it can be one of the smartest moves you make.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
It comes down to your goals, your readiness, and your priorities.
- If you’re feeling unsure about what you want to study or do for work, a gap year might give you the clarity you need.
- If you’re keen to start earning, gain experience, and graduate debt-free, a degree apprenticeship could give you a major advantage.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But whatever you decide, try to be intentional with your time. Whether you’re backpacking in Bali, stacking shelves to save up, or working as a junior software developer three days a week, make it count.
Your Future Career
This is your journey. The pressure to “get it right” straight away is huge, but truthfully? Most people’s career paths are more winding than straight. What matters is choosing the option that feels right for you now, and keeping an open mind for what might come next.
Find a Degree Apprenticeship with our search tool or explore more about degree apprenticeships in our resources area, we want to help you make a confident next step.