A-Level Results Day: University Choices & Job Market Insights

A-Levels, Degrees and Career Paths: Does University Still Reign Supreme?

This summer, a record number of young people in the UK secured places at university or college. Acceptance figures hit all-time highs, and nearly a third of A-Level grades awarded were As or A*s.

So yes—more students than ever are heading to university. But in today’s job market, is a degree still the golden ticket to a great career?

Student Debt: The Real Numbers

Let’s deal in facts:

• Students in England entering repayment in the 2023–24 financial year owed an average of £48,470. (gov.uk)
  

• For those finishing courses in 2024 and due to start repayment in April 2025, the figure is closer to £53,000. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk)
  

That’s the sort of number you might rather spend on a starter home deposit—or a very long holiday.

Degrees: Still Worth It… Sometimes

Yes, graduates still tend to earn more over their careers, but it’s not guaranteed:

• In fields such as education, performing arts, creative arts, and agriculture, average salaries are still below £30,000 even a decade after graduating—well under the median graduate salary of £34,300. (thetimes.co.uk)
  

• Rapid advances in AI are reshaping entry-level roles—especially in business, content, communications and data—reducing the number of graduate jobs in some sectors.
  

A degree is still valuable in many professions—but it’s no longer the only credible route.

Employers Want Skills and Experience

Recruiters are increasingly looking beyond academic qualifications. What stands out now is:

• Practical experience—internships, part-time work, voluntary or charity roles
  

• Transferable skills—teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, reliability
  

• In-demand technical skills—digital literacy, coding, AI familiarity, sustainability knowledge
  

These experiences say far more about your readiness for work than a UCAS form or degree certificate ever could.

Alternative Routes on the Rise

If university isn’t right for you—or not right now—there are solid alternatives:

• Degree apprenticeships allow you to earn a salary (sometimes over £20,000 a year) while gaining a degree—without the debt.
  

• Higher apprenticeships, T-Levels, vocational qualifications and short professional courses often lead directly to skilled, well-paid roles.
  

• Bootcamps and micro-credentials can top up your skills quickly in fast-moving industries.

These options are no longer “second best”—they’re smart, targeted, and often financially sound.

Volunteering and Charity Work: The Underrated CV Gold

Work experience doesn’t have to come with a payslip. Volunteering—whether running events, fundraising, mentoring, or community organising—builds:

• Confidence and communication skills
  

• Real-world problem-solving abilities
  

• Evidence of commitment and initiative

Employers notice these experiences—sometimes more than the finer points of your academic record.

The Short Version

Question Short Answer

Is a degree still valuable? Yes—in some careers—but often not essential.

What’s changed? Skills, experience, and adaptability now outweigh the degree subject for many roles.

Student debt reality? Around £48k–£53k at repayment start.

Alternatives to university? Degree apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships, T- Levels, professional courses, bootcamps.

Why experience matters? It proves capability in a way academic grades can’t.

How can Gen Z Career Coaching help?

We help you weigh your options, plan ROI, and build a skill-plus-experience portfolio that employers want

Bottom Line

A degree can still be a good investment—but only when combined with practical skills, work experience, and a clear understanding of where it will take you.

At Gen Z Career Coaching, we help young people and their parents navigate these choices—whether that’s university, an apprenticeship, or something entirely different.

And remember: in the modern world, what you do will take you further than what’s printed on your degree certificate.