Why choosing an apprenticeship over university was the best decision.
After leaving sixth form, I stood at the same crossroad as everyone else in my year; one path led me to university, the other led me into the world of work.
Like the rest of my year, I had spent years hearing about the pressures of UCAS applications, open days and university life. Teachers seemed confident that university was the correct choice and higher education would lead you to greater opportunities.
But deep down, I knew university wasn’t for me.
I didn’t want to sit through lengthy lectures and boring seminars all while gaining no real experience in the industry. I wanted to get stuck in, learn as I go and see firsthand how my work could make a real difference for clients.
So, as many of my peers packed their bags for the university life, I packed my lunch and headed to the office.
Why I chose the apprenticeship route?
In October, I started my apprenticeship with SALINE and haven’t looked back since. I’m proud of how much I’ve learnt in such a short time and excited to keep progressing. Instead of sitting in lecture halls, I now spend my days learning from experienced professionals, working on live campaigns and seeing the direct impact my work can have.
Working with SALINE hasn’t just taught me about marketing; it’s improved my communication skills, my understanding of how businesses operate, and given me confidence in contributing to real projects.
There are many benefits to an apprenticeship, which, for me, made it much more desirable than attending university.
Real-world skills – Apprenticeships allow you to work with live campaigns and engage in real marketing strategies rather than just learning the theory without any practical application.
Portfolio building – Gain experience on a range of projects and clients, creating a strong, varied portfolio.
Earn while you learn – You can earn a competitive salary while learning the industry through experiences.
Connections – Apprenticeships allow you to build connections with industry professionals leading to better opportunities later in your career.
Mentorship – One-to-one guidance from experienced professionals.
Early progression – Apprentices often receive promotions before university graduates enter the workforce.
Why apprenticeships are great for employers?
Apprenticeships aren’t just beneficial for the apprentice – employers gain a lot too. Bringing in apprentices allows companies to:
Develop talent from within – Train individuals to work exactly how the business needs, shaping skills to match company goals.
Bring fresh perspectives – Apprentices often offer new ideas and approaches that can improve processes and creativity.
Build loyalty – Investing in an apprentice creates a motivated, committed workforce that can stay with the company long-term.
Cost-effective growth – Employers gain skilled staff at a lower cost than hiring experienced professionals.
Why SALINE?
I chose to do an apprenticeship with SALINE because they don’t just offer clients a generic campaign, they build a relationship, trust and have a real commitment to fulfilling the client’s needs. They work across social media marketing, email campaigns, SEO, and a range of other strategies, all areas I’m particularly interested in.
Experience in B2B marketing is invaluable, as it combines strategic thinking, relationship building, and market research to support complex business decisions. SALINE works with sustainably focused organisations across the maritime, renewables, construction, and green tech sectors, which aligns perfectly with my interests and values.
How am I finding the apprenticeship?
Choosing an apprenticeship has been incredibly rewarding. I learn daily from experienced professionals, gain hands-on experience with real clients, and develop skills that will stay with me throughout my career. My written communication, strategic thinking, and confidence have all improved dramatically.
The real question - if I were at the crossroad again, would I choose an apprenticeship or head to university? Without a second thought, I’d choose an apprenticeship and dive straight into the world of work.