College, an apprenticeship, or straight to work — how to chooseCollege · 5 minute readThree routes, three different trades. One gives you a qualification, one pays you while you learn, one pays you now. Here is how to pick without guessing.At 16 the choice gets presented as one decision that sets your whole life. It is not. It is a decision about the next two years, and you are allowed to change it.What each route actually gives you

College — a qualification and a timetable. Strong when the subject is one you want to work in, and when you will turn up.

An apprenticeship — a wage, a qualification and a real job at the same time. You are employed, so you get pay, holiday and a contract.

Work — money and experience immediately. Strong when you have an employer who will train you properly.

The question that sorts it outAsk what you want to be able to do in two years that you cannot do now. If the answer is a trade or a skill, take the route that teaches it. If the answer is money and independence, take the route that pays you. If the answer is that you do not know, take the one that keeps the most doors open — which means an apprenticeship, or a college course tied to an industry rather than a general subject.Two mistakes worth avoiding

Choosing a course to fill time. Two years is long enough to notice you did not want it.

Turning down an apprenticeship because it is not glamorous. Being paid to learn a trade at 16 puts you years ahead at 20.

You are not choosing a life. You are choosing what to do next, and you can change your mind when you have better information. What you cannot do is nothing while you wait for certainty.More free articles about money, work and business are at The Next Generation Blog.

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