FAQs for Parents & Carers

 


Parents and carers often want to help — but feel unsure how.

This page answers common questions about:

  • apprenticeship degrees

  • student debt

  • long-term outcomes

  • how to support young people calmly

It’s designed to reassure, not persuade.



Are apprenticeship degrees “as good as” university degrees?

Apprenticeship degrees:

  • are real degrees

  • are awarded by UK universities

  • follow approved standards

They combine:

  • academic study

  • paid employment

  • practical experience

They are different — not lesser.



Will my child miss out on the “university experience”?

Apprenticeship degrees involve:

  • less campus-based time

  • more workplace learning

  • a different social experience

Some young people value this structure.
Others prefer traditional university life.

Neither choice is wrong — it’s about fit.



Are apprenticeship degrees only for certain types of students?

No.

They suit young people who:

  • like learning by doing

  • prefer structure

  • want to earn while studying

They are not limited by background, intelligence, or ambition.



What about long-term career prospects?

Apprenticeship degrees offer:

  • work experience alongside qualifications

  • industry exposure early on

  • transferable skills

Career paths vary — just as they do with university graduates.

There are no guarantees either way.



How can I support without pushing?

Helpful support often looks like:

  • asking open questions

  • sharing information, not opinions

  • allowing time to decide

  • accepting uncertainty

Pressure — even well-intentioned — can make decisions harder.



Is student debt always a bad choice?

No.

For some young people, student loans:

  • feel manageable

  • suit their goals

  • make sense for their chosen field

The key is understanding the commitment before taking it on.



Where can we learn more?

These resources may help families explore options calmly:

Apprenticeship Degrees: The Clear Guide for 16–25s

Is an Apprenticeship Degree Right for Me? (Decision Toolkit)

The Apprenticeship Degree Application Toolkit

Use what’s helpful. Leave what isn’t.



Final reassurance

There is no single “right” route.

The most supportive thing you can offer is:

  • understanding

  • space

  • informed discussion

That’s enough.






A public education resource focused on financial literacy, informed choice, and debt-free pathways for young people in the UK.