What careers could I get into that are well paid and don't require a degree?

krs89

I'm 26 and left the army (I was a chef) after 7 years. I'm now in civilian life living with a few friends in Birmingham and would like to learn/study for/qualify in/enter a new career. I have no real idea what, but I would like something with good earning potential in the future. As a guide I'd like to be earning in the region of £35k+ within 10 years.

Qualifications wise, I have a few food/culinary/hygiene certificates and qualifications and 10 GCSEs (grades A-C), no A-Levels. However, I definitely don't want to work in the food or restaurant industry, it just doesn't interest me after spending 7 years cooking nearly every day. I have just started a job as a chef in a local restaurant but as far as I'm concerned it's a stop-gap to bring some money in whilst I look for/qualify in another career.

My one stipulation is that I don't want to go to university or study for a degree (so that includes Open University) - it just doesn't interest me committing 4+ years of my life earning very little if anything and hoping for a good career on the other end of it (both my brothers went to university and are struggling to find a job related to their degrees).

I'm happy to consider college courses/studying from home/learning on the job etc.

So just as a reminder:

- Must have good prospects/potential to earn a good salary in the medium/long term
- Happy to study from home/learn on the job etc
- Happy to consider a decent level apprenticeship
- Must not involve a university degree
- Nothing related to food/cooking/restaurants etc

I'm willing to consider anything and I'm looking forward to the journey ahead, no matter how long it takes! :T

DomRavioli

You may be best off speaking to a careers advisor.

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx may be of use. Not sure why you're so averse to a degree, as you will find that a lot of higher paying roles will stipulate a degree or educated "to degree level" which is NVQ level 4 in England/Wales. You could study to NVQ4 at some colleges.

You need to figure out what you want to do first, based on your own criteria - but you will struggle to find an easily available job which is well paying without advanced qualifications or significant relevant work experience.

ohreally

If what you really wanted to do required a degree, would that focus your thoughts?

missbiggles1

Try for the police - it's a well trodden route after the army.

(Although, see a careers adviser first.)

krs89

Thanks - I'd just rather be in a position where I can earn a full time wage (as I'm doing at the moment) and learn/study on the side - either through studying for a qualification or two that employers will actually value or via a good apprenticeship/training scheme. I know the Open University offer part-time distance learning degrees but they estimate it will take around 5 years for most bachelor's degrees, in which case I might as well complete a degree full-time.

I'm genuinely open to any suggestion.

ohreally wrote: »

If what you really wanted to do required a degree, would that focus your thoughts?

Maybe uni isn't such a bad idea, I just don't want to undertake a vague degree that won't lead to any obvious career. One of my brothers did an art history degree, the other an English literature degree at fairly decent universities and are both struggling to find anything decent. I guess that's the situation for any graduate.

I don't have any A-Levels either, so it would take an extra year to complete them or an equivalent Level 3 qualification to achieve the right about of UCAS points.

I have no idea what I want to do. I don't have any obvious interests apart from the film industry (but that's just a pipe dream I guess?) or keeping fit/gym etc.

Are there any "safe" degrees that would be a good all-rounder?
Are there any degrees that are desired more than others (aside from whether its first class or a 2:1)?

mumps

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Try for the police - it's a well trodden route after the army.

(Although, see a careers adviser first.)

I don't know about West Midlands Police but a lot of forces are facing cut backs and it is very difficult to get in now. You also need a level 3 qualification, I think for most forces if not all, so unless the catering qualifications are level 3 that could be a problem.

mumps

krs89 wrote: »

Thanks - I'd just rather be in a position where I can earn a full time wage (as I'm doing at the moment) and learn/study on the side - either through studying for a qualification or two that employers will actually value or via a good apprenticeship/training scheme. I know the Open University offer part-time distance learning degrees but they estimate it will take around 5 years for most bachelor's degrees, in which case I might as well complete a degree full-time.

I'm genuinely open to any suggestion.



Maybe uni isn't such a bad idea, I just don't want to undertake a vague degree that won't lead to any obvious career. One of my brothers did an art history degree, the other an English literature degree at fairly decent universities and are both struggling to find anything decent. I guess that's the situation for any graduate.

I don't have any A-Levels either, so it would take an extra year to complete them or an equivalent Level 3 qualification to achieve the right about of UCAS points.

I have no idea what I want to do. I don't have any obvious interests apart from the film industry (but that's just a pipe dream I guess?) or keeping fit/gym etc.

Are there any "safe" degrees that would be a good all-rounder?
Are there any degrees that are desired more than others (aside from whether its first class or a 2:1)?

I suppose vocational type degrees e.g. nursing or social work are very likely to lead to a decent job. You could look at an access course.

ohreally

krs89 wrote: »

I don't have any A-Levels either, so it would take an extra year to complete them or an equivalent Level 3 qualification to achieve the right about of UCAS points.

That's not a barrier, you can sit an access course.

What about social work?

Edit: the post above has suggested the possibility of an access course.

robatwork

krs89 wrote: »

Are there any "safe" degrees that would be a good all-rounder?
Are there any degrees that are desired more than others (aside from whether its first class or a 2:1)?

Yes - Maths, physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, architecture, law, medicine.

Probably not what you wanted to hear though.

pickledonionspaceraider

It is all very vague without having a clue what it is you actually want to do - all we are hearing is what you want to earn

Which is the wrong way to choose a life long career

missbiggles1

mumps wrote: »

I don't know about West Midlands Police but a lot of forces are facing cut backs and it is very difficult to get in now. You also need a level 3 qualification, I think for most forces if not all, so unless the catering qualifications are level 3 that could be a problem.

It's much easier in the Met, I believe, and there doesn't seem to be any reason why that wouldn't be suitable.