Degree/DA vs Trade Apprenticeship

I'm torn between wanting to take an astrophysics degree/engineering DA and a trade apprenticeship. Most of this uncertainty has stemmed from finance (I'd like to secure a solid job and have fun in this changing economic climate) and (no offense meant to anyone) not wanting to feel that I've wasted my (quite considerable) intellect by taking a less academic route. I know that the vast majority of people take HE through university and unfortunately, this will certainly have some influence over my choice. I'm (as said before) very capable academically but also love practical hands-on learning (I'd spend my weekends working on vehicles if I could). I'm also scared at the possibility of not being able to pursue the other path if I take (engineering vs astrophysics) but that's not too important here. My passion is space and astronomy, so if an astrophysics DA was a thing, I'd take it in a heartbeat if not for the seemingly much more stable finance of a trade apprenticeship and further career. okie thank you