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College or Apprenticeship

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  • 08-01-2022 3:57pm
    #1
    insertnamehere11
    Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭


    I studied a lot in my leaving cert and got 477 points. I didn't think about what course I wanted to do, I thought it would come to me. I tried Law but dropped it. I'm nearly 21 and so I feel like I need to decide really soon. But I just end up stressing because I worry about not having any idea what I want to do for as a career. I have tried to talking to my parents and family but it hasn't helped. I don't have any idea how to approach this in a logical way and not stress myself. Anyone have any advice or resources I can use?



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    #2
    ifeelabreeze
    Registered Users Posts: 293 ✭✭ifeelabreeze


    I've been down both the college and apprenticeship route - left for an electrician apprenticeship and ended up back in college doing a Business degree.

    What interests you? Or at the very least - what don't you hate?

    What do you want to do?

    When you say apprenticeship do you mean a typical construction based apprenticeship, motor trade or something like the Insurance apprenticeship - for which you get a level 8 degree.

    I went into a Business degree having done the same research as yourself - virtually none. I knew I'd dislike the maths, thought I'd tolerate the economics and like the accounting - I ended up struggling with the maths, hating the economics and tolerating the accounting. It's important to do your research.

    I'm now back in a Business degree at a different University - Electrician was not for me, I didn't know what else to do, knew I could essentially bluff my way through a Business degree - if I didn't have to do the same level(s) of Maths, Econ and Accounting. A programme in an IT college allowed for greater flexibility and I've currently got 1 exam left before I'm out the gate.

    Would I say I've enjoyed my chosen discipline? Nope, it's a load of waffle with some hints of useful information.

    But I preferred that 9 times out of 10 over slogging away on a building site pulling cable in the pissing rain.

    Decide if you're looking at an apprenticeship out of genuine interest in learning a trade or because you think it'll be handier than college - because it's tough going.

    If you're considering the trades have a look at construction management or quantity surveying, maybe engineering?

    What subjects did you enjoy in school?

    Where do your strengths lie? - Maths, essay writing etc

    I'm not saying to not go do a trade - There's great employment prospects and some good money to be made, but learn a trade because you want to learn a trade, not because you don't like college and don't fancy working retail for the rest of your life, I went into for those aforementioned reasons and it was a mistake.



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