Compare the long-term financial outcome of an apprenticeship vs a university degree. Factor in student debt, compound interest, and salary ceilings.
University Path
Net Worth @ Age 50
£400,887
Apprentice Path
Net Worth @ Age 50
£644,887
Apprenticeship Wins
The lack of debt and early earning power of the apprenticeship compounds significantly, beating the university path. The university path never catches up.
The Wealth Race
University Strategy
High debt, higher ceiling. Best for specialized high-income fields (Med, Law, Tech).
Apprenticeship Strategy
No debt, early income. Best if you want financial independence early and want to invest aggressively.