uni or Apprenticeship

I'm currently doing mechanical engineering at college, and I want further my ability and knowledge in engineering after college but I am not sure which is the best thing for me after college, university or apprenticeship.

Reply 1

Herts PG Student Repsdafaf

Original post by aslamboss07

The majn difference is that you will get paid for an apprenticeship! In terms of actual content, I didn't do an apprenticeship myself so couldn't say exactly, but as far as I understand it the apprenticeship scheme is more geared towards 'on the job' learning - so rather than learning about, say, manufacturing methods in a classroom, you'd learn about whatever your employer deems necessary. There is still some theory, but the uni route has more. In terms of qualification level, a degree apprenticeship (level 6 or 7) is more or less equivalent to a bachelors degree - there are lower levels that have equivalency to things like HNQs or A levels.

Something else to consider is the variation in what is taught. By and large, most mechanical engineering degrees learn similar things: maths and basic fluids, thermo and mechanics, maybe with specialisation in mechatronics or control systems. There is some variation between unis, but from what I've seen they tend to be in the same ballpark. Since the apprenticeship is run by an employer, what you learn may vary a little more depending on who you work for.

Thats my two cents; I'd happily be corrected on any of the above if anyone has done an apprenticeship!

Hope that helps

Theo

Reply 2