Is it fair to say an apprenticeship in finance at a top 5 constituent in the ftse 100 (apprentices are paid a competitive salary which increases yearly with bonuses and become a chartered accountant within 5 years) is in a better position than someone who also wants to go into finance but down the degree route at one of the top 10 universities s?
In particular, the fact that graduates from these target and semi target universities will be in the applicant pool applying for the grad scheme that this certain company has, surely being able to do an apprenticeship with a guaranteed job at the end where your salary and internal progression will also be higher shows it's a better route?
Bearing in mind I understand a degree offers flexibility, however I am talking about individuals specifically staying in accounting and finance. In this case, a apprenticeship route with one of the biggest global companies in the world and secured job prospects is surely better than a degree at a top 10 uni in which u would be up thousands of other applicants competing for places to get into entry level, which would be below where the apprentices would be at the same age.