Is doing A-levels always better than other options?
An academic route (A-levels, Highers and university) is only one route to success in life. A vocational qualification can often be the best of both worlds, offering practical experience as well as a sound theoretical foundation. Some of our coaches decided to make the switch: this is what they have to say.
In this short film, our coaches talk about their experiences of switching from classroom-based learning to a more practical route
"I put a lot of work into getting the grades that I did at GCSE in order for me to be able to do the A-levels. But when I got to A-levels, I realised it wasn’t really for me. I, kind of, didn’t wanna be sitting in a classroom."
"It just wasn’t a place for me. It was, again, sat in front of that teacher being told what to read and what to do, and it’s just not for me. And if it doesn’t work for you, why should you do it? Why can’t you go and find your own route? Which, mine was an apprenticeship. And I can tell you now, it was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had."
"I was really surprised after going to my careers advisor, finding out what different opportunities are out there for different people. There’s different sectors you can go into with an apprenticeship, it’s not just one."
"I was working at my mum’s shop in the period between finishing my A-levels and starting my degree, and I’d already been accepted at my first choice of university for accounting and finance, which is what I chose to do at the time. And there was a road closure, due to a leak that had happened, so there was a massive burst and there was loads of water all over the road. So, the water company came into the shop to tell us they were gonna be closing off the road. He mentioned an apprentice that was actually working with them at the time and from that, it was literally that night, I went and looked online at the apprenticeship scheme that they offer, and within two weeks, I knew I’d got it."
If you’re thinking of switching:
- Make sure you’re switching for the right reasons: are you really looking for a change in pathways, or is it more just about ‘needing a change’?
- Consider the timing of the switch: do you want to have something (e.g. an apprenticeship) lined up before you switch, and keep doing what you’re doing until then?
- Have you spoken to a teacher or career advisor to discuss your options? You may be able to make a partial switch and mix your qualifications
Find out more about mixing A-levels and vocational qualifications
- Time is of the essence! The longer you stay in something you don’t like, the longer until you can start your new dream course, so do your research, make an informed decision and go for it!
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