Kategori: Universities
7 best paying jobs in the UK without a degree
Were you one of those people who wanted to finish school and dive headfirst into the world of work? (Or, let’s be honest, just didn’t get the grades for higher education).
It doesn’t necessarily have to impact your earnings. Though it’s true that people who are university educated tend to earn more, it isn’t the only way to bag a successful, high-paying career.
In actual fact, there are so many jobs that don’t require a degree, but still pay the big bucks. (Disclaimer: all require hard work and dedication. Nothing is handed to us on a plate, remember.)
Interested to find out which path you could follow? Whether you’re leaving school this summer or thinking of a career change in later life, here are the 7 best-paying jobs in the UK without a degree.
Personal Trainer
Average Salary in 2023: £40,041 (Source: Glassdoor and The Fitness Group)
Would you prefer to spend your spare time in the gym over studying? That’s the first clue that a career in health and fitness might be for you.
Though you get to avoid uni here, becoming a PT still requires some level of education.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
In the UK, you generally need to complete a Level 3 Personal Trainer course, alongside a Level 2 Gym Instructing course. The course also needs to be approved by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity).
The length of the course depends on which one you take, but can be completed in as little as three weeks or up to 12 weeks.
PT courses delve into the understanding of the human body, specifically exercise physiology, biomechanics, and other elements of anatomy. You’ll also learn how to design personalised exercise regimes for clients based on their fitness levels, goals and needs.
Pilot
Average Salary in 2023: £40,000 – £81,666 (Source – Glassdoor and The Pilot Guys.)
Calling all intrepid travellers, fancy getting to see the world as your job? If so, it’s time to apply to flight school.
While you don’t need a degree, a huge amount of hard work is needed before you can be trusted to take people on holiday. In the UK, aspiring pilots usually follow a similar route: getting a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and then an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). The above requires passing theory exams, completing flight training, and getting a Class 1 medical certificate.
Many airlines have different schemes. For example, EasyJet offer a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence which gives you the ‘ins and outs of standard operating procedures’ for the airline. A lot of the training is in a simulator (which sounds SO fun), and once you graduate, you’ll be a qualified Co-Pilot with easyJet with a Type Rating.
The course takes 18-22 months and is ‘tagged.’ This means you’ll be guaranteed a Co-Pilot role on an easyJet Airbus A320.
However, you do have to dig deep financially, which is why the role of a pilot is a lucrative one. This particular EasyJet course costs around €100,529 (£84,823), so you’d best get saving. (Don’t be disheartened, as it is possible to get a loan for pilot training in the UK.)
As for British Airways, they recruit via their Pilot Pathway schemes. One of these is the Speedbird Pilot Academy Cadet programme, which provides fully-funded flight training for selected candidates. The course is full-time and takes 18-24 months. Those successful will bag a job as a British Airways Pilot.
Mortgage Advisor
Average Salary in 2023: £46,466 – £81,666 (Source – Reed)
If you fancy your feet more firmly on the ground, how about becoming a mortgage advisor?
In the UK, hopefuls must complete a CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice), a Level 3 qualification, which is the equivalent of an A-Level. It’s approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Once passed, you’ll also need to register with the FCA as an ‘approved person,’ which shows you meet its criteria for honesty, integrity, competence, and suitability.
Following this, there are multiple ways to break into the industry. Work experience via apprenticeships and trainee schemes are popular, as is employer-provided training. This is where you can earn your CeMAP on the job, as many firms offer the course as employee development.
Graphic Designer
Average Salary in 2023: £24,390 (Source – Payscale)
Are you more of the creative type? While traditionally, many graphic designers complete a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design or similar, it’s not a dealbreaker.
You can do college courses, from an A-level in Graphic Communication to a Level 2 Technical Award in Graphic Design. Or, there’s the Foundation Diploma option, where you spend a year studying art and design.
Failing that, there are so many online short courses available these days. These allow you to develop your skills – particularly on design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign – in your own time.
Once you’ve mastered the software and found your niche, it’s all about building up your portfolio. Does your friend run a business and need some logos or designs developed? Offer them your services. Or, create high-quality personal projects that showcase your talents and creativity.
Unfortunately, graphic design is a competitive industry, so you’ll also need to spend a good amount of time networking. Keep up with industry trends, connect with other designers, and attend specific networking events. The latter especially will help you scope out potential clients to offer your services as a freelancer.
Similarly, keep an eye out for salaried graphic designer vacancies.
Social Media Influencer
Average Salary in 2023: £35,144 – unlimited (Source – Glassdoor)
OK, so you can’t always guarantee this is a career. But you certainly don’t need a degree.
First, you need to find your niche. What are you passionate about? Why is your content different to other people’s? Is it authentic? Once you’ve developed your brand, the next step is posting consistent and engaging content. You’ll also need to engage in online conversations that align with your values as a way of connecting with your target audience.
Often, people grow their followers as a side hustle while working a full-time job. Which, can often seem like you’re working two full-time roles. Other times, one post can completely blow up, and you’re thrown in at the deep end.
Either way, once your followers increase and you achieve a genuinely active fan base, that’s when you’ll start to see brands reaching out to work with you.
As your online presence grows (around the 150,000 followers mark), you’ll likely receive more collaboration offers and brand deals. At this point, managing everything might feel a little overwhelming, which is where management comes in.
Many managers consider this follower amount as a good baseline to start working with an influencer.
Electrician
Average Salary in 2023: £36,000 (Source – Reed)
On the more traditional route, training to become an electrician can bring home the bacon without having to spend three years at uni.
In the UK, there are several paths you can follow. This includes an apprenticeship, a Level 2 or 3 diploma, or a Domestic Installer course. You’ll also need to obtain a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installations.
Many professionals prefer the apprenticeship route, which combines classroom education with on-the-job training. You can also train alongside qualified electricians. Either way takes around three to four years.
Train Driver
Average Salary in 2023: £48,500 – £61,000 (Source – Reed and Glassdoor)
From planes to trains, if public transport interests you, how about driving them? Plus, what better way to experience the best of the British countryside?
According to the Government website, you can become a train driver by applying to a train operating company for a place on a Train Driver Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
It takes between one and two years, and combines classroom learning and on-the-job training.
Alternatively, you could start as a train conductor, rail passenger assistant, or revenue officer with a train company and apply for a trainee driver position once you’ve gained experience in the industry. Apparently, this is one of the most common ways people become London Underground drivers.
UK companies that give staff a share of the profts
Is earning a piece of the company pie a non-negotiable in your professional life?
As modern workers continue to demand more than just a salary from their bosses, an employer that sweetens the deal like this has a better chance of attracting (and keeping) talent.
So, if you’re on the job hunt right now, Metro has rounded up a selection of UK firms that share the wealth.
7 best paying jobs in the UK without a degree
Were you one of those people who wanted to finish school and dive headfirst into the world of work? (Or, let’s be honest, just didn’t get the grades for higher education).
It doesn’t necessarily have to impact your earnings. Though it’s true that people who are university educated tend to earn more, it isn’t the only way to bag a successful, high-paying career.
In actual fact, there are so many jobs that don’t require a degree, but still pay the big bucks. (Disclaimer: all require hard work and dedication. Nothing is handed to us on a plate, remember.)
Interested to find out which path you could follow? Whether you’re leaving school this summer or thinking of a career change in later life, here are the 7 best-paying jobs in the UK without a degree.
Personal Trainer
Average Salary in 2023: £40,041 (Source: Glassdoor and The Fitness Group)
Would you prefer to spend your spare time in the gym over studying? That’s the first clue that a career in health and fitness might be for you.
Though you get to avoid uni here, becoming a PT still requires some level of education.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
In the UK, you generally need to complete a Level 3 Personal Trainer course, alongside a Level 2 Gym Instructing course. The course also needs to be approved by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity).
The length of the course depends on which one you take, but can be completed in as little as three weeks or up to 12 weeks.
PT courses delve into the understanding of the human body, specifically exercise physiology, biomechanics, and other elements of anatomy. You’ll also learn how to design personalised exercise regimes for clients based on their fitness levels, goals and needs.
Pilot
Average Salary in 2023: £40,000 – £81,666 (Source – Glassdoor and The Pilot Guys.)
Calling all intrepid travellers, fancy getting to see the world as your job? If so, it’s time to apply to flight school.
While you don’t need a degree, a huge amount of hard work is needed before you can be trusted to take people on holiday. In the UK, aspiring pilots usually follow a similar route: getting a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and then an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). The above requires passing theory exams, completing flight training, and getting a Class 1 medical certificate.
Many airlines have different schemes. For example, EasyJet offer a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence which gives you the ‘ins and outs of standard operating procedures’ for the airline. A lot of the training is in a simulator (which sounds SO fun), and once you graduate, you’ll be a qualified Co-Pilot with easyJet with a Type Rating.
The course takes 18-22 months and is ‘tagged.’ This means you’ll be guaranteed a Co-Pilot role on an easyJet Airbus A320.
However, you do have to dig deep financially, which is why the role of a pilot is a lucrative one. This particular EasyJet course costs around €100,529 (£84,823), so you’d best get saving. (Don’t be disheartened, as it is possible to get a loan for pilot training in the UK.)
As for British Airways, they recruit via their Pilot Pathway schemes. One of these is the Speedbird Pilot Academy Cadet programme, which provides fully-funded flight training for selected candidates. The course is full-time and takes 18-24 months. Those successful will bag a job as a British Airways Pilot.
Mortgage Advisor
Average Salary in 2023: £46,466 – £81,666 (Source – Reed)
If you fancy your feet more firmly on the ground, how about becoming a mortgage advisor?
In the UK, hopefuls must complete a CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice), a Level 3 qualification, which is the equivalent of an A-Level. It’s approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Once passed, you’ll also need to register with the FCA as an ‘approved person,’ which shows you meet its criteria for honesty, integrity, competence, and suitability.
Following this, there are multiple ways to break into the industry. Work experience via apprenticeships and trainee schemes are popular, as is employer-provided training. This is where you can earn your CeMAP on the job, as many firms offer the course as employee development.
Graphic Designer
Average Salary in 2023: £24,390 (Source – Payscale)
Are you more of the creative type? While traditionally, many graphic designers complete a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design or similar, it’s not a dealbreaker.
You can do college courses, from an A-level in Graphic Communication to a Level 2 Technical Award in Graphic Design. Or, there’s the Foundation Diploma option, where you spend a year studying art and design.
Failing that, there are so many online short courses available these days. These allow you to develop your skills – particularly on design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign – in your own time.
Once you’ve mastered the software and found your niche, it’s all about building up your portfolio. Does your friend run a business and need some logos or designs developed? Offer them your services. Or, create high-quality personal projects that showcase your talents and creativity.
Unfortunately, graphic design is a competitive industry, so you’ll also need to spend a good amount of time networking. Keep up with industry trends, connect with other designers, and attend specific networking events. The latter especially will help you scope out potential clients to offer your services as a freelancer.
Similarly, keep an eye out for salaried graphic designer vacancies.
Social Media Influencer
Average Salary in 2023: £35,144 – unlimited (Source – Glassdoor)
OK, so you can’t always guarantee this is a career. But you certainly don’t need a degree.
First, you need to find your niche. What are you passionate about? Why is your content different to other people’s? Is it authentic? Once you’ve developed your brand, the next step is posting consistent and engaging content. You’ll also need to engage in online conversations that align with your values as a way of connecting with your target audience.
Often, people grow their followers as a side hustle while working a full-time job. Which, can often seem like you’re working two full-time roles. Other times, one post can completely blow up, and you’re thrown in at the deep end.
Either way, once your followers increase and you achieve a genuinely active fan base, that’s when you’ll start to see brands reaching out to work with you.
As your online presence grows (around the 150,000 followers mark), you’ll likely receive more collaboration offers and brand deals. At this point, managing everything might feel a little overwhelming, which is where management comes in.
Many managers consider this follower amount as a good baseline to start working with an influencer.
Electrician
Average Salary in 2023: £36,000 (Source – Reed)
On the more traditional route, training to become an electrician can bring home the bacon without having to spend three years at uni.
In the UK, there are several paths you can follow. This includes an apprenticeship, a Level 2 or 3 diploma, or a Domestic Installer course. You’ll also need to obtain a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installations.
Many professionals prefer the apprenticeship route, which combines classroom education with on-the-job training. You can also train alongside qualified electricians. Either way takes around three to four years.
Train Driver
Average Salary in 2023: £48,500 – £61,000 (Source – Reed and Glassdoor)
From planes to trains, if public transport interests you, how about driving them? Plus, what better way to experience the best of the British countryside?
According to the Government website, you can become a train driver by applying to a train operating company for a place on a Train Driver Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
It takes between one and two years, and combines classroom learning and on-the-job training.
Alternatively, you could start as a train conductor, rail passenger assistant, or revenue officer with a train company and apply for a trainee driver position once you’ve gained experience in the industry. Apparently, this is one of the most common ways people become London Underground drivers.
UK companies that give staff a share of the profts
Is earning a piece of the company pie a non-negotiable in your professional life?
As modern workers continue to demand more than just a salary from their bosses, an employer that sweetens the deal like this has a better chance of attracting (and keeping) talent.
So, if you’re on the job hunt right now, Metro has rounded up a selection of UK firms that share the wealth.