Not going to university? Here are the highest-earning jobs you can do without a degree

'Guidance only': BPP University Law School said the advice will be reconsidered: Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia
'Guidance only': BPP University Law School said the advice will be reconsidered: Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia

Not made it to University, don't let that get you down.

Some of the finest never went, not least Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Branson and Henry Ford.

In fact given the huge debt University graduates rack up these days it could be a hindrance in later life rather than an advantage.

There are plenty of jobs that don't require the higher eduction paperwork.

Here we outline the most fun and best paid ones:

10. Youth Worker

What do they do?

Work with young people and help them develop personally and socially. They might work with local services, youth offending teams or voluntary organisations and community groups. They might help organise sports and other activities, or be involved on counselling and mentoring, or liaising with authorities.

Getting there

Many enter youth work as a volunteer or paid worker, but you can now qualify via a youth work apprenticeship.

Pay: £23,250 to £37,500

9. Air Traffic Controller

What do they do?

24 hours a day, they help to keep some of the busiest airspace in the world moving. The work is challenging and demanding, but it’s immensely rewarding too. Air traffic controllers give information and advice to airline pilots to help them take off and land safely and on time.

Getting there

You have to be over 18 and have at least five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 4 or above (previously A-C) or Scottish Nationals 5 Grade A-C or equivalent, including English and maths. As well as having a good level of physical and mental fitness, you must satisfy the basic medical requirements set down by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Pay: £17,000 to £50,000

8. Nurse

What do they do?

If you’ve been thinking of becoming a nurse but don’t want to go to university full-time this could be for you. The government has just announced a massive £172 million investment into nursing, the money is to allow healthcare employers to take on up to 2,000 nursing degree apprentices every year over the next four years.

Getting there

Nursing apprenticeships offer an alternative to full-time university courses, allowing people to earn a salary while their tuition costs are paid. At the end of the apprenticeship - which usually takes four years - apprentices are able to qualify as fully registered nurses.

You’ll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Pay: £24,907 to £37,890

7. Visual Effects Artist

What do they do?

They help artists produce all the whizzy visual effects. They assist senior artists and prepare the elements required for the final shots. Eventually they’ll be employed by post production companies working on commercials, television series and feature films.

Getting there

You could do a practical short course at Ealing Studios and try to get into the industry that way, or do an apprenticeship via Next Gen.

Pay: £18,000 to £50,000

6. Estate Agent

What do they do?

An estate agent’s lot isn’t quite as chaotic as the comedy ‘Stath Lets Flats’, might lead you to believe, in reality, estate agents sell and rent out commercial and residential property, acting as negotiators between buyers and sellers.

Getting there

Some estate agents offer an intermediate apprenticeship as a junior estate agent, or you may be able to start as a trainee sales negotiator and learn on the job.

Pay: £15,000 to £40,000

5. Police Officer

What do they do?

This is another profession where the Government has pumped in large amounts of cash to help recruit new coppers. If you’ve been considering this as a career, now could be the right time to apply. Police officers keep law and order, investigate crime, and support crime prevention.

Getting there

There is no formal educational requirement, for direct application but you will have to be physically fit and pass written tests. Or, you could start by doing a police constable degree apprenticeship. You'll usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a degree apprenticeship.

Pay: £20,000 to £60,000

4. Cyber Security Analyst

What do they do?

Investigate and thwart cyber crime. They might work for the police or security services, or for computer security specialists and in house teams. They’ll follow and analyse electronic data, ultimately to help uncover cyber crime such as commercial espionage, theft, fraud or terrorism.

Getting there

Cyber security professionals are in high demand in both the public and private sector in the wake of high level breaches and perceived terrorism threats. And there’s a severe shortage of qualified professionals.

Cyber security higher apprenticeships are offered by major infrastructure and energy companies and - excitingly - the security services.

Pay: £20,000 to £60,000

3. Army Officer

What do they do?

Undergo leadership training before choosing from a wide range of specialisms, including; platoon commander, helicopter pilot, intelligence, logistics… even work in military medicine and healthcare. This is not for the faint hearted.

How do you get there?

You’ll typically need 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) or above and 2 A levels. You’ll have to take aptitude and ability tests, pass a fitness test and interview before a more rigorous assessment to see if you’re capable mentally and physically.

Pay: £27,273 to £42,009

2. Public Relations Officer (Try and avoid this one if you can)

What do they do?

Public relations officers annoy people while managing an organisation's public image and reputation. You might get involved in planning PR campaigns, monitoring and reacting to the public and media, writing and editing press releases, speeches, newsletters, leaflets, brochures and websites, creating content on social media much more.

Getting there

There is no set entry route to become a public relations officer but it may be useful to do a relevant subject at college, like a Foundation Certificate in Marketing. You can work towards this role by doing a public relations assistant higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Pay: £18,000 to £90,000

1. Solicitor

What do they do?

It’s not quite ‘Better Ask Saul’… in reality Solicitors advise clients about the law and act on their behalf in legal matters, and can specialise in a host of areas, including contract, criminal, commercial and family law, and much more.

Getting there

You can now become a solicitor by training on the job since new solicitor apprenticeships (level 7) which were approved in 2015. This isn’t an easy route – you’ll need to pass a series of tough exams. You’ll need good A levels and it can take five to six years to complete.

Pay: £25,000 to £100,000