This website is geared towards A-level students and graduates that are interested in exploring the alternatives to higher education.
For too many bright individuals school becomes a tread mill with parents, teachers and career advisors telling them to go to university. When there, and they find themselves unable to find graduate employment, they do a Masters degree to put off finding work.
The University Alternative is just that, about educating you of the alternatives to higher education. Getting you off the treadmill. Getting you doing your own thang. The menu on the right allows you to select a city to help you look around.
So what are the alternatives?
Do Nothing! Hmmm… Not really a career choice, but the easiest to fall into. TV and computer games can help the time tick by. The reality is this will often lead to depression, with a risk of soft drug or alcoholic abuse. Human beings generally do not function well without something to do.
You’ll also see waaaaayyy too much of your parents, which will lead to arguments and fights.
A former close friend went doen this route. From the age of about 13 through to 15 we were very close. Now at 30, he’s living at home with his mother, cant seem to regulate his drinking, he remains an angry environmentalist who doesn’t succeed because he doesn’t try.
You were warned…
That you have read this far means you can avoid a similar fate. Pat yourself on the back. You’re already on your way to something better.
So what are the alternatives to university?
Volunteer - If you struggle to get up and work the 9 to 5 this may be a great way to get into a better work ethic. There are promotional prospects, but they can be thin on the ground. But then there’s money, some organisations offer it. Most don’t.
Work Experience Placements - Probably the best way to meet future employers.
Apprenticeships – This involves combining working and training. The basic usually starts low and goes up over time.
Work - Work is of course the only long term option… Shudder!
I’ll add some information about CV-writing and job interview techniques soon too.
For Employers, Charities, Colleges and Universities.
If you’re an employer, a college or university you’re welcome to post a job, volunteer, or work experience placement with us. In time there will be more towns and a proper geo-search function thingy.
There will also be the option to have larger sponsored listings, which will
allow larger text, guarantee top placement and allow workplace pictures
and maps.
If you have a really kick-ass opportunity, or want to suggest an additional major town, please fill out our contact us form to help us improve.
I hope you enjoy browsing The University Alternative.
Joel, Senior Admin – March 2010