Education has long been seen as the key to success, but what that key looks like has changed dramatically over the decades. As part of our Generations in Dialogue series, this week we take a closer look at how young people today are navigating decisions around university, apprenticeships, and long-term career prospects, while also bringing in the voices of parents, older workers, and retirees who reflect on how different things used to be.
At the heart of these conversations are the big questions: Is university still worth it? Are apprenticeships finally getting the respect they deserve? And how do financial concerns—especially the weight of student debt—shape the choices young people make?
University: Opportunity or Overrated?
University has traditionally been seen as the “golden ticket” to a successful career, offering not only education but also personal growth, independence, and networking opportunities. But with tuition fees in England topping £9,250 per year and student loans often reaching £40,000 or more, many are questioning whether the return is still worth the investment.
“I always wanted to go to university—I’m studying English Literature at a great university,” says Ayesha, 18, from Harrow. “But the debt is terrifying. I try not to think about it, but it’s always there in the back of my mind.”
Her mother, Leila, who works as a nurse, sees things from a parent’s perspective:
“We saved what we could, but it’s nowhere near enough. I do believe in education, but I worry that she’s taking on this massive financial burden and might not even land a stable job afterward.”
Older generations remember a very different university experience.
“When I went to university in the 1970s, it was completely free,” says David, 68, a retired teacher. “In fact, we got maintenance grants to help us live. It was a no-brainer. But now, it seems more like a business.”
Despite the costs, university still holds a certain prestige—and for many professions, it’s still a requirement. But growing numbers of students are questioning whether that prestige translates to actual opportunity in today’s job market.
Apprenticeships: A Path Once Overlooked, Now Respected
Once seen as a “less academic” route, apprenticeships are now gaining popularity and recognition. With the cost of university so high and employers placing increasing value on practical skills, apprenticeships offer a direct line to the workforce—often with far less debt.
“I’m in my second year as an apprentice electrician,” says Jordan, 19. “I’m learning on the job, I get paid, and I’ve already been offered full-time work once I finish. I’ve got friends in uni who are stressed about essays and loans, and here I am earning and learning. It just made sense to me.”
For some parents, apprenticeships were initially met with hesitation—but that’s changing.
“At first, I was a bit disappointed that my son didn’t want to go to university,” admits Samira, Jordan’s mother. “But he’s thriving. He’s confident, independent, and not in debt. I’ve completely changed my view on it.”
Employers, too, are starting to see the value. According to a recent report by the Institute for Apprenticeships, completion rates are rising, and demand for technical apprenticeships—particularly in construction, engineering, and digital industries—is growing steadily.
Career Prospects: A Shifting Landscape
The job market that young people enter today is nothing like it was 30 or 40 years ago. Automation, AI, and a rapidly changing economy have made career planning more complex than ever. Add in the cost-of-living crisis, and many young people find themselves uncertain not just about their career paths, but their long-term future.
“When I graduated in the 1980s, you could walk into a job within weeks,” recalls Mary, 62, a retired civil servant. “Now, I see my grandchildren applying to dozens of jobs just to get a single interview.”
For many students and young workers, the pressure to “succeed quickly” is real—and exhausting.
“There’s so much pressure to have it all figured out by the time you’re 21,” says Ella, 20, a university student studying sociology. “But the world is changing so fast—how can we even plan five years ahead?”
Yet adaptability has become a new kind of job security. Skills like communication, critical thinking, and digital fluency are increasingly valued over just having a degree.
Debt, Doubt, and Decision-Making
One of the biggest factors influencing educational choices is debt. In England, the average student leaves university owing around £45,000—debt that takes decades to repay and often shapes major life decisions such as buying a home or starting a family.
“My daughter’s still paying off her student loan and she’s in her thirties,” says Tony, 70, a retired postal worker. “It just feels wrong that an education puts people that far behind.”
For many families, the financial burden falls not just on the student, but the whole household—especially as the cost of living rises.
“We’re all pitching in,” says Farah, a single mother in Harrow. “My daughter works part-time while studying. I help with rent. But it’s tough—it’s like we’re all paying for the degree.”
In contrast, apprentices like Jordan avoid most of these financial stresses.
“By the time I’m 23, I’ll be fully qualified and debt-free,” he says. “I might not have a degree, but I’ll have money in the bank—and experience to go with it.”
Conclusion: Different Paths, Same Goals
There’s no single “right” route when it comes to education and careers anymore. For some, university offers personal growth and long-term potential. For others, apprenticeships provide financial freedom and direct access to work. What’s clear is that today’s young people are making more informed, more strategic decisions—often balancing passion with practicality.
“Every generation wants the next one to have it better,” says Mary. “But I think this generation is redefining what ‘better’ really means. Maybe it’s not about a degree. Maybe it’s about choice.”
As our series continues, the conversation around generational change deepens. Education and career choices may differ, but the shared desire for security, opportunity, and fulfillment remains constant across the years
Maryam Dickson is a journalism student at the University of Westminster and a contributor to Harrow Online. During her internship with the publication, she covered local news, community stories and events across Harrow, gaining experience in digital journalism and reporting.
