Career Advice - degree, apprenticeship, degree apprenticeship, something else?

[ABB125]

Good evening,

I am currently at a Sixth Form working towards A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics. It is now about the time of year to start thinking about the future - do I apply to university, or go for an apprenticeship etc.
The issue for me is that I don't really know what I want to do. As a (not wishing to sound obnoxious) rather academically able student, I feel that I probably should get a degree (and many others wouldn't expect me to do anything but this). However, I have no idea what I would want a degree in. A further complication is that I can't see myself enjoying working anywhere other than in the railway industry, in which I am very interested and know a bit about.
I will be doing work experience in GWR's timetable planning department over the summer, so will gain a bit of an insight into the industry then, but I could do with knowing what I want to do before then to prepare for the university application process, going to open days and so on.
To add more uncertainty to my choices I don't know if I even want to go to university, which leaves other possibilities such as a (degree?) apprenticeship.

After a bit of thought, I have decided that I don't really fancy a degree in Maths or Physics (although could be persuaded otherwise), but could see myself doing Chemistry/Chemical Engineering or something like Civil Engineering. My dad, amongst other things, has suggested Architecture or Maths. (Here I should note that I quite enjoy designing things as well as practical activities.)
However, how does this tie into the railway industry? (I know the University of Birmingham offers a Civil and Railway Engineering course - would this be worth pursuing?) What kind of degree would be useful (if any)? Is an apprenticeship a better route in? What degree apprenticeships (if any) are offered within the industry? Are there any chronic shortages of skills within the industry that I could find attractive? I there anything obvious that I've overlooked or missed?

Apologies for being rather vague, I just don't really know what I want to do so can't be any more specific.
Thank you for taking the time to read this; any advice is gratefully received

 

[Stigy]

If you don’t know what you want to do, an Apprenticeship would be ideal as it would give you the experiences required in the rail industry, but you needn’t specialise in a set area and will usually have attachments to all different areas. Some apprenticeships focus on certain areas such as operations management etc. You’ll get a degree level qualification at the end of it, and arguably most importantly, a secure, long term job within the industry. Win win.

 

[ABB125]

If you don’t know what you want to do, an Apprenticeship would be ideal as it would give you the experiences required in the rail industry, but you needn’t specialise in a set area and will usually have attachments to all different areas. Some apprenticeships focus on certain areas such as operations management etc. You’ll get a degree level qualification at the end of it, and arguably most importantly, a secure, long term job within the industry. Win win.

Thanks for your reply - is it better to get a Network Rail apprenticeship or one with a TOC? I can't really decide which would be more ideal for me - a Network Rail one would probably have more focus on infrastructure and engineering, whereas a TOC one would probably have more focus on operations and management. I suspect both would include aspects of planning (which is one area I can see myself working in).

 

[700007]

ABB125 - if you are pursuing engineering then I think you couldn't gave chosen a better industry or interest. Nearly every train operating company offers engineering apprenticeships albeit not all are to a degree level. I can't remember for the life of me if Network Rail offers a degree course but I know the likes of TfL tend to, if you are willing to move to London to start your career.

However, if you are unsure of what industry you want to go into, look into all sorts of different pathways by having work experiences and building rapports with different companies. You could find something you actually fancy. Try anything from finance to operations to engineering over the next few months and understand what suits you.

In terms of university, if you would rather that route, then as you have already done, look into Railway engineering studies, general civil engineering and maybe look at universities that provide transport planning courses or something like that. Bound to be a few dotted around. If my mind serves me correctly, Loughborough offers the likes.

You sound like you have your head screwed on and I am sure you will do well. Best of luck with your endeavour!

 

[Stigy]

Thanks for your reply - is it better to get a Network Rail apprenticeship or one with a TOC? I can't really decide which would be more ideal for me - a Network Rail one would probably have more focus on infrastructure and engineering, whereas a TOC one would probably have more focus on operations and management. I suspect both would include aspects of planning (which is one area I can see myself working in).

To be honest either would be of benefit. NWR is potentially harder to get in to? You’d ultimately get better perks working for a TOC too (free travel for example....certain NWR staff get this but it depends on which region you’re in). Not sure about specific apprentice salaries, but NWR do pay more than TOCs for manager positions, or seem to, though.

 

[Ducatist4]

An Architecture degree will take you seven years to become registered and take it from me, you can earn significantly more money by working on the railways. You'd also be far more recession proof.

 

[ABB125]

ABB125 - if you are pursuing engineering then I think you couldn't gave chosen a better industry or interest. Nearly every train operating company offers engineering apprenticeships albeit not all are to a degree level. I can't remember for the life of me if Network Rail offers a degree course but I know the likes of TfL tend to, if you are willing to move to London to start your career.

However, if you are unsure of what industry you want to go into, look into all sorts of different pathways by having work experiences and building rapports with different companies. You could find something you actually fancy. Try anything from finance to operations to engineering over the next few months and understand what suits you.

In terms of university, if you would rather that route, then as you have already done, look into Railway engineering studies, general civil engineering and maybe look at universities that provide transport planning courses or something like that. Bound to be a few dotted around. If my mind serves me correctly, Loughborough offers the likes.

You sound like you have your head screwed on and I am sure you will do well. Best of luck with your endeavour!

Thanks - the main issue I have at the moment is deciding whether or not I want to go to university, and if so what to study. I will have to have a look at TfL later.

To be honest either would be of benefit. NWR is potentially harder to get in to? You’d ultimately get better perks working for a TOC too (free travel for example....certain NWR staff get this but it depends on which region you’re in). Not sure about specific apprentice salaries, but NWR do pay more than TOCs for manager positions, or seem to, though.

Thanks. I think most people would agree that the biggest benefit of working in the industry is free travel!
Do you know much about Network Rail's apprenticeship scheme(s)? Their website isn't the clearest on what you do or end up doing.

An Architecture degree will take you seven years to become registered and take it from me, you can earn significantly more money by working on the railways. You'd also be far more recession proof.

Useful advice, thanks. One of my dad's school friends is now an architect, and apparently he has to pay for insurance to cover any liability he might have should a building he designed collapse/explode etc. That doesn't sound like the most attractive proposition in the world!

 

[Ducatist4]

You have to keep that insurance going for a number of years after you stop practicing as well. Of course personal PI only applies if you work for yourself.

 

[ABB125]

You have to keep that insurance going for a number of years after you stop practicing as well. Of course personal PI only applies if you work for yourself.

Thanks - that's useful to know.