Are you wondering if university is the right move? You’re not alone. With tuition fees climbing, the job market tougher than ever, and the cost of living crisis hitting hard, many are questioning the value of a degree. In 2023/24, UK higher education saw 2,904,425 students, a slight drop from the previous year, while graduates in England faced an average debt of £53,000 in 2024, up 10% from 2023 (Student Loans Company). But there’s another path. One that gets you earning sooner, skips the debt, and offers hands-on work. That’s where trades come in.
What to Do Instead of University
Deciding whether to go to university is tougher than ever. The cost of living crisis, a crowded job market, and growing awareness of alternatives are making many rethink the traditional degree path. In 2023/24, UK university enrollment dropped to 2,904,425, a 1% decrease from the previous year (HESA Statistics). Meanwhile, the average student debt for English graduates hit £53,000 in 2024, a 10% jump from 2023 (Student Loans Company). These numbers show why people are looking elsewhere.
Instead of spending years in lecture halls, a career in the trades offers a faster, more practical route. At Logic4training, we specialise in training for gas, electrical, plumbing, and renewable energy careers. Our New Entrant Courses can have you working in weeks or months, not years, with no debt weighing you down. This article will break down why trades could be your best move, from dodging university pitfalls to building a career that pays off.
Is It Worth It? Disadvantages of Going to University
University isn’t always the golden ticket it’s made out to be. Here are the main reasons people are questioning the degree route:
Cost of Living Crisis & Student Debt
University isn’t cheap. Tuition fees in England are £9,250 per year for most courses, and with rent, food, and other expenses, the costs add up fast. In 2024, English graduates left university with an average debt of £53,000, up 10% from £48,270 the previous year. That’s a huge burden to carry into your early career, especially when living costs are soaring. Many graduates spend decades paying off loans, with interest rates on Plan 2 loans at 7.3%.
Job Market Saturation
The job market is brutal for graduates. With more people earning degrees, competition is fierce, even for jobs that don’t require one. In 2025, graduate job postings dropped 33% compared to 2024, hitting the lowest level since 2018. Employers are also using AI to cut costs, reducing entry-level roles. This means many graduates struggle to find work in their field, with some taking minimum-wage jobs just to get by.
Not Everyone Thrives in a Classroom
University is heavily academic, with lectures, essays, and exams. If you’re someone who learns better by doing, this setup can feel like a slog. Many people find practical, hands-on work more engaging and rewarding. Trades training, like what we offer at Logic4training, focuses on real-world skills you can use immediately.
Desire to Start Earning Sooner
A degree often means three or more years before you start earning a full-time salary. For those eager to get on with life, that’s a long wait. A career in the trades allows you to earn much sooner. With apprenticeships, individuals can earn whilst they learn, and training courses can be completed in as little as 6 weeks, in some cases. Additionally, tradespeople can achieve financial independence sooner, without the debt holding them back.
Why the Trades Are a Strong Alternative to University
If university’s downsides have you second-guessing, trades offer a compelling alternative. Here’s why:
Earn While You Learn
Trades training often includes paid apprenticeships or hands-on work. You’re not just learning, you’re earning a wage from the start. Average salaries for tradespeople range from £30,000 to £50,000, often matching or exceeding graduate earnings. Plus, you avoid the massive debt that comes with university. You can see how much plumbers, gas engineers and electricians who have trained with us earn below:
Vocational Training Is Practical and Hands-On
If sitting in a lecture hall sounds dull, trades training is the opposite. You’ll work with real tools, solve real problems, and gain skills you can use every day. Whether it’s wiring a house or fixing a boiler, you’ll learn by doing, which suits people who thrive in active, practical environments.
Work That Matters
Tradespeople provide essential services that keep society running. From installing heating systems to repairing electrical faults, your work has a direct impact. This leads to high job satisfaction and is something many office jobs can’t match. At Logic4training, we’ve seen students find purpose in knowing their skills make a difference.
Path to Independence
A trade career can lead to self-employment or business ownership. Many of our graduates start their own companies, enjoying the freedom and flexibility of being their own boss. With skills from our gas, electrical, or plumbing courses, you’re set to build a career on your terms.
| Aspect | University | Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Complete | 3+ years | Weeks to months |
| Cost | £53,000 average debt | Minimal, often paid training |
| Earning Potential | £30,000–£40,000 (varies by field) | £30,000–£50,000 |
| Learning Style | Academic, classroom-based | Practical, hands-on |
| Job Market | Highly competitive, fewer graduate roles | High demand, stable opportunities |
Real-Life Success Stories
At Logic4training, we’ve trained over 65,000 people to succeed in the trades, including those who skipped university or switched careers. Here are a few stories that show what’s possible:
Vivek:
After earning strong grades, Vivek chose a trade over university. He completed our New Entrant Domestic Electrical Installer course and now works as a qualified electrician, enjoying a steady income and hands-on work.
“Learning a trade is a is an invaluable skill for modern day humans and especially when technology is plays a big role in our everyday lives.”
Josh Scott:
As the winner of our Trades4Life competition, Josh, an entrepreneurial spirit, picked a gas engineering course to pursue his dream of self-employment. He’s now training to become a gas engineer and plans to start his own business.
“I think you definitely lack a bit of confidence when you first start because obviously you’re not going to be a fully fledged heating engineer or gas engineer so it’s always going to be a bit shaky but they they take for it they um yeah they build your confidence and help you.”
Career Changers:
We’ve helped many with and without university degrees retrain in the trades. Below is a playlist of some of our candidates who were happy to speak about their experience on camera.
These stories highlight why trades are a game-changer. Whether you’re fresh out of school or rethinking your career, Logic4training can help you succeed.
Discover the Right Path for You: Trades Careers That Don’t Require a Degree
Logic4training offers a range of courses to start or upskill your trade career. Here’s a quick look at what we offer and how to choose the right one:
- Plumbing: Working on pipework and heating systems. Great for hands-on learners who want variety.
- Gas Engineering: Learn to install, maintain, and repair gas appliances. Perfect for those who enjoy technical work and problem-solving.
- Electrical Installation: Train to wire homes and businesses. Ideal for those who like precision and electrical systems.
- Renewables: Work with heat pumps and solar panels to build a sustainable future. Suits those passionate about green energy.
- Refrigeration/Air Conditioning: Install and maintain cooling systems. Perfect for those interested in modern tech.
- Oil: Specialise in installing and maintaining oil-based heating systems. Suitable for those interested in energy systems and rural work.
- Property Maintenance: Learn a range of skills to maintain and repair buildings. Perfect for those who enjoy varied, hands-on tasks across different trades.
Each trade offers salaries of £30,000-£50,000, with potential for more as you gain experience or go self-employed. To choose, think about what excites you. Do you love fixing things? Try plumbing. Fascinated by wiring? Go for electrical. Want to help the planet? Renewables might be your fit. Check out our articles on gas careers, electrical careers, and plumbing careers for more details.
Skip the Degree, Start Your Future
We want to be clear. University isn’t a bad choice for everyone. If you’re set on becoming a doctor, lawyer, or academic, a degree is often the only way to go. But it’s not the golden ticket for everyone, and that’s okay. The idea that you need a degree to succeed is outdated, especially when trades offer a faster, debt-free path to a rewarding career. At Logic4training, we’ve spent over 23 years helping more than 65,000 people, such as school leavers, career changers, and even degree-holders, build futures in trades like gas engineering, electrical installation, plumbing, oil, property maintenance, and renewables. Here’s why skipping the degree might just be the smartest move for you.
University works for those who thrive in academic settings and are aiming for careers that demand a degree. Think medicine, law, or research-heavy fields. But if you’re someone who loves hands-on work, wants to start earning sooner, or dreads the idea of racking up £53,000 in debt , trades are a brilliant alternative. They’re not a “lesser” option. They’re a different one, packed with benefits. You can be job-ready in as little as 6 weeks with courses like our New Entrant Plumbing Course, earning £30,000-£50,000 a year without the wait or financial burden of a degree.
Trades also offer something universities often can’t. Flexibility. Want to work for yourself? Many of our graduates start their own businesses, enjoying the freedom of being their own boss. Prefer variety? Trades like property maintenance let you tackle different tasks every day, from fixing leaks to upgrading heating systems. Passionate about the planet? Our renewables courses train you to work with cutting-edge tech like heat pumps and solar panels. And unlike many graduate jobs, trades are in high demand, with stable opportunities even in tough economic times.
Choosing a trade doesn’t mean closing doors. You can always pursue further qualifications or even a degree later if you change your mind. But with trades, you’re not putting your life on hold. You’re building skills, earning a living, and gaining real-world experience from day one. At Logic4training, our industry-recognised courses, delivered at training centres across the UK, are designed to get you there fast. We’ve got the expertise, backed by decades of training and thousands of success stories, to help you launch a career that’s practical, profitable, and fulfilling.
So, if university feels like the wrong fit, don’t stress. A trade career could be exactly what you need to hit the ground running!
Ready to make it happen? Check out our New Entrants courses to find the trade that suits you. Skip the degree, dodge the debt, and start building a future that works for you.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of choosing a trade over university?
Choosing a trade allows you to start earning sooner, avoid significant student debt, and gain practical, hands-on skills that are in high demand. Unlike university, where the average graduate leaves with £53,000 in debt, trade careers often involve paid training or apprenticeships and offer strong earning potential from the outset. Trades also provide clear routes to self-employment and business ownership, giving you control over your career and income.
Which trade jobs are most in demand in the UK?
Demand varies by region and sector, but electrical, plumbing, gas engineering, and renewable energy roles are consistently sought after across the UK. Maintenance roles, in particular, offer long-term job security as every building and system needs ongoing care and repair. The shift towards green technologies is also driving demand for skills in heat pumps, solar, and other renewables.
What qualifications do I need to begin a trade career?
Most trades do not require A-levels or a degree. Entry requirements vary, but you typically need a good standard of English and maths. New Entrant Courses are designed for those with little or no experience, and you can often progress to advanced qualifications as you gain experience.
Can I earn while I learn in the trades?
Yes, many trade roles offer apprenticeships, which allow you to earn a wage while gaining qualifications and experience. Even non-apprenticeship routes often include practical, paid work placements as part of the training.
Are trade careers suitable for women and career changers?
Absolutely. The trades are open to everyone, regardless of gender or background. There are growing initiatives and support networks to encourage more women and career changers into the sector, recognising the value of diverse skills and perspectives. You can see testimonials from the women who have trained with Logic4training.
How much can I earn as a tradesperson in the UK?
Salaries vary by trade and experience, but typical annual earnings for qualified tradespeople range from £30,000 to £50,000, with potential for more if you become self-employed or specialise in high-demand areas.
How do I choose the right trade for me?
Consider your interests, strengths and ambitions. If you enjoy problem-solving and technical work, electrical or gas engineering might suit you. If you like variety and practical tasks, plumbing or property maintenance could be ideal. Many training providers, including Logic4training, offer advice. If you want to learn more, read our article Trade Skills That Matter: The Best Trade to Learn in the UK.
What support is available for funding my trade training?
There are various options, including government-backed apprenticeships, scholarships, and sometimes employer sponsorships. Some training providers offer flexible payment plans. It’s worth researching local schemes and grants that may be available to help with the cost of training. The best thing to do is to speak to the training provider, as they can provide you with all the financial information that best suits you.
How does a trade career compare to university in terms of job prospects and security?
Trades offer high job security due to ongoing demand for skilled workers, especially as infrastructure ages and new technologies emerge. Unlike many graduate roles, which are becoming increasingly competitive and affected by automation, trades remain essential and will likely take a very long time to be replaced by AI or overseas outsourcing.
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