Having done an apprenticeship many years agao, I eventually ended up doing a BSc later in my career, because of the things I missed in the apprenticeship. I'm not saying they're a bad idea, but you have to remember the pros and cons. Pros include getting practical experience sooner, not worrying about fees and finance, earning a salary - all good reasons. But you're trading that for the things the company wants, in terms of what you study, the need to be productive and possibly lower earning at the end of your apprenticeship. Plus, as others have said, student finance is not so horrible. Sure, you pay back, but chances are you'll be doing that against better long term salary expectations. Now, as a hiring manager, I can tell you that a Comp Sci degree is definitely worth it. Naturally, it is what you can actually do that matters most, but I know what I should be getting if I'm hiring someone with a BSc. Go for the sandwich course and you'll get the opportunity to show it and put it on your CV.