Earn and learn

Twelve terrified young people in smart, dark suits walk into the boardroom. They line up before an old man who points a sharp finger at them. "You're fired!" The words come out like a gunshot, and one of the twelve contestants limps away.

To many watching at home, this scene from British reality series The Apprentice may be the first introduction to the concept of an apprenticeship. But experts say it is far from the reality of a modern day training programme.

Apprenticeships have a rich history that dates back to the Middle AgesThe Middle Ages was the period in European history that came between ancient and modern times. It lasted from about 500 to about 1500., when young men would learn a trade or craft from experienced professionals in order to become skilled workers themselves. 

But with the rise of mass higher education and the growing demand for white collarRelating to work done in an office or another professional space. jobs, apprenticeships declined in popularity in the late 20th Century. Indeed, fewer than one in 20 teenagers now take the apprentice route.

Some think this is about to change. After years of decline, apprenticeships are in resurgence. It is, at least in part, a response to the changing job market and the need for highly skilled workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and technology.

Apprenticeships involve working alongside seasoned professionals and gaining real-world experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom. But for many, the real selling point for many is that no student loans or tuition fees are required.

But others say degrees offer a wider education that covers more topics, sharpening your problem-solving skills along the way. Today, most agree that both apprenticeships and degrees can be incredibly valuable in their own ways - and that it comes down to the individual. Take successful entrepreneurs like Richard BransonHis businesses have included Virgin Records, Virgin Trains and the space-tourism company Virgin Galactic. or chef Gordon Ramsay, for example. Both started out as apprentices.

Yes: An apprenticeship offers hands-on experience and industry connections. It is also a way to learn away from the classroom and be paid at the same time.

No: Some employers prefer or require a formal degree. A degree allows a deeper, more theoretical understanding of a subject that opens more doors.

Or... It depends on the individual's career goals and learning style. Both offer their own advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day it is a personal choice that should be well researched before making a decision.