Once upon a time the only way into a “proper tech job” was through university. You picked your course (something like computer science), endured three years of theoretical lectures, and graduated with racked up debt. That’s not really how things work anymore.
Apprenticeships are changing the way people get into tech. You can now build a career in data, admin, digital marketing or IT support without needing a degree – and the accompanying mountain of student loans. And if you’re more interested in doing the work than studying it, you might find the apprenticeship route a lot more appealing.
Why Tech Doesn’t Always Need a Degree Anymore
It turns out, tech employers don’t care quite as much about where you studied as they used to. What they care about is whether you can solve problems, work with digital tools, and pick things up quickly.
That might mean knowing how to pull data from a CRM system. It might mean editing a short how-to video, building out an email campaign, or logging tickets on a service desk without needing a ten-minute explanation each time. What they want really is someone who can just get on with it. And that kind of confidence? It usually comes from actually doing the job, not just studying it.
Tech Roles You Can Train For Without a Degree
Not all tech careers involve writing lines of code in a dark room. Some roles are creative. Some are analytical. Others are the kind of operational backbone that keeps a company from falling apart the moment someone forgets their password.
Here are a few examples of where an apprenticeship might take you:
Data Technician – You’d be helping businesses gather, process and present data. Think spreadsheets, dashboards, charts that don’t make your eyes glaze over. If you’re organised and like problem-solving, this could be a good fit.
Digital Marketing Assistant – One day it’s Instagram reels, the next it’s email campaigns or keyword research. You’ll learn how to use platforms like Google Analytics and SEMrush, but you’ll also get a feel for what makes content work.
Business Administrator – Don’t be put off by the title. This is often the gateway to a lot of tech-heavy roles. You’ll use tools like Excel, databases, and project management software – and you’ll get really good at keeping things running smoothly.
IT Support Technician – You won’t just be switching things off and on again. You’ll learn how systems work behind the scenes, support colleagues with day-to-day tech issues, and maybe even prevent disasters before they happen.
The best part? You don’t need to “pick one” forever. A lot of people start in admin or support and end up moving into data or digital once they get a feel for the landscape.
What Apprenticeships Actually Involve
If you’re imagining tea runs and passive shadowing, think again. Apprenticeships have changed. These days, you’re in the thick of it. Typically for four days a week you’re working with a real team, doing real tasks. Then one day a week or sometimes fortnightly, you’ve got structured training – usually from a tutor or provider who’s helping you build the skills you’ll need for your end-point assessment.
You might spend one week learning how to clean a dataset. Next, you’re figuring out how to schedule a month of social content. The projects are varied, the pace is quick, and yes – you get feedback that actually helps you improve.
There’s an endpoint assessment towards the end of your apprenticeship, but it’s not some abstract exam. It’s based on your work, your learning, and your actual progress over time. By the time you’re done, you’ll not only have a qualification, but a solid chunk of experience under your belt too.
You Get Paid, Too!
Money’s not everything – but when your friends are racking up debt at uni, and you’re earning while you train, it does feel like you’re on to something.
You might start on apprentice wage, but many employers pay more. And the longer you’re with a company, the more valuable you become. If you’re good, they’ll often keep you on full-time once the apprenticeship ends. Not because they have to, but because you’re already part of the team and you know how everything works.
That kind of continuity is rare in entry-level roles. And it’s part of what makes the apprenticeship route feel like a proper start, rather than a stopgap.
The Long-Term Value of Learning On The Job
There’s something underrated about learning by doing. You make mistakes. You fix them. You ask questions, watch how other people work, and figure out your own way of solving problems. That sort of growth is hard to replicate in a lecture hall.
And let’s not pretend it’s all easy. You’ll have deadlines. You’ll get feedback. You’ll sometimes feel out of your depth. But you’ll come out of it with skills that don’t just look good on paper – they actually help you get hired. Employers notice the difference. Someone who’s navigated real business tools, supported actual customers, and contributed to campaigns that went live? That’s a much easier hire than someone who’s only ever studied the theory.
Where To Start If You’re Thinking About It
If you’re the kind of person who’d rather be learning on the job than sitting in lectures, an apprenticeship might be a better fit than university. You don’t need straight A’s or a perfectly polished CV – you just need the willingness to show up, learn quickly, and take feedback onboard.
One place to look is Avant Skills Academy. They offer apprenticeships in data technician, business admin, and content creator. Their programmes combine hands-on placements with proper support from tutors who know what they’re doing. You’re not left to fend for yourself – but you are expected to get stuck in.
Whether you’re working on a spreadsheet for a logistics firm, managing emails for a local brand, or helping troubleshoot IT issues for a busy team, you’re building skills you can take anywhere. And the best bit? You’re getting paid while you do it. If you’re looking to start a career in tech (and you’re more interested in action than theory) it’s a route worth considering.
