Talking to your teenager about their future can be a minefield. Suggest university, and they might roll their eyes. Mention apprenticeships, and they might think you’re talking about being a plumber (not that there’s anything wrong with that). But apprenticeship degrees are a brilliant option for young adults who want to earn money, skip the debt, and get a head start in their career — all while getting a degree.
Of course, for many teens, the thought of choosing a career path can feel overwhelming, leaving them unsure of where they’re headed. That’s why it’s important to approach the conversation in a way that feels exciting and empowering, showing them how these options can align with their interests — without sounding like you’ve got an agenda.
Here’s how you can drop some wisdom about apprenticeships in a way that feels more like a cool opportunity and less like a lecture.
1. Start with: “So, have you thought about what you want to do?”
This is your opening line. Don’t expect a detailed answer — more likely, you’ll be met with a blank stare, a shrug, or the classic, “I don’t know, something fun.”
No worries. You’re just getting started.
2. Introduce the idea casually: “You know you don’t have to go to uni to get a degree, right?”
Now is the moment to drop some knowledge.
“Yep, you can actually do an apprenticeship degree. It’s like getting paid to learn on the job, no boring lectures or classrooms involved, and you still get a proper degree at the end.”
Keep it relaxed — this is not a lecture, it’s insider info.
3. Follow up with: “And you actually get PAID while you learn.”
This is where the magic happens. Money talks, even to the most sceptical teenager.
“Imagine earning a salary while you’re studying. No student loans, no living on instant noodles for three years, and you’re actually getting real-world experience. You finish with a degree and money in your bank account instead of a mountain of debt.”
Pause. Let that sink in.
4. Ask: “What’s something you’d love to do for a job?”
This is where the real fun begins. Tailor your pitch to their interests.
- For the gamer: “You could train to make video games or even design them. Imagine getting paid to work on your favourite games!”
- For the eco-warrior: “How about working on wind farms or solar energy projects? You could be part of the team tackling climate change.”
- For the fashionista: “You could learn how to design clothes while working for a big brand. You’ll be working behind the scenes of the fashion industry.”
The key is to make them realise that no matter their interest, there’s an apprenticeship that aligns with it.
5. Reassure them: “And you still get a legit degree, no dodgy qualifications.”
Teenagers are all about credentials, so make sure they know this isn’t some random course leading nowhere.
“You still get a proper degree, and employers love apprentices because they’ve got practical experience, not just theoretical knowledge from a textbook.”
6. Throw in: “You’ll be ahead of the game compared to your friends.”
Let’s be honest: teens love being ahead of the curve. Here’s how to frame it:
“While everyone else is stressing over unpaid internships, struggling to get a foothold after three years of university, you’ll already have three years of work experience and a degree. It’s like hacking the system.”
7. Keep it light: “No pressure, but it’s worth thinking about.”
End on a relaxed note.
“Look, you don’t have to decide today. But it’s good to know your options, right? If sitting in lecture halls for three years isn’t your thing, an apprenticeship degree might just be the perfect fit. And hey, you can still have fun while you’re doing it.”
8. Bonus tip: Mention a success story to seal the deal.
Still not convinced? Let them know that real people are already winning with apprenticeships.
“Oh, by the way, do you remember [insert name of a family friend or a mildly famous person]? They did an apprenticeship degree and are now working at [cool company name].”
This isn’t about pushing them one way or the other — it’s about showing them there are plenty of exciting career paths that don’t involve university. Make the conversation fun, light-hearted, and focused on the perks.
Explore our interview with Pete Milsom, Partnerships Manager at UCAS.
Key takeaways:
- Apprenticeship degrees let teens earn money while studying.
- They get a real degree without the debt.
- There’s an apprenticeship for almost any interest, from gaming to fashion to renewable energy.
- Apprenticeships give teens a head start with work experience while their peers are still figuring out how to write a CV.
ITN Business will be launching news-style programme, ‘Visionary Voices: Apprenticeships’ for National Apprenticeship Week 2025, February 10th-16th, to highlight the transformative power of apprenticeships and provide insights into how organisations are harnessing the full potential of apprenticeships to create inclusive, sustainable, and innovative workplaces.
Related:
Unlocking Leadership: With Emily Rock from the Association of Apprentices
