Hello Jeff,

It depends what you're after: going to college means you'll be studying full-time to gain an A-level, you could then move onto University or get a job using your qualifications.

By joining the Army, you'll have a full-time paid job in your trade, alongside this you'll gain an apprenticeship. The initial apprenticeship qualifications you get won't always be as high than those you could get if you went to college, but you will have further opportunities to further your education through accredited qualifications and learning credits. It's also worth factoring in Army life to this learning, you'll have the opportunity to work all over the world, doing different jobs, as well as take advantage of sport and adventurous training opportunities (to name a few). So, you won't just be in a classroom the whole time.

You may also be aware that the Army can help fund you through University, if that's something you wanted to do.

I'll leave a few links you may be interested in below, feel welcome to follow up with any further questions.

Learning and Development (Apprenticeships) | Regular Army

Bursaries & scholarships

Pay and benefits | Regular Army

Apprentice Stories - What's In It For Me?

10 July, 2025 12:14