Sponsored/Supported degrees wanted!

[MDUK]

My son is at Sixth form and despite having wanted to go to University previously, thanks to the new fee structure he is questioning its worth. At least three years at Uni, no guarantee of a job and maybe £30,000 in debt at the beginnig of his working life.

A friend told us their company ran a programme where they employ a small number of young people each year and pay for their degress. So they are earning, they end up with a business degree, no debt and a career opportunity in a global company. The company doesn't advertise it and it is oversubscribed each year.

When I told my son he was ecstatic as he saw this as an ideal opportunity, he is knuckling down at Sixth Form and was fully foccussed on preparing for the interviews next year.

I have just had a text from my friend saying the company has announced this year will be the final intake. I guess this is a combination of the economy and the increase in fees which start next year.

My son will be gutted but before I tell him I want to try and find some alternatives - so the plea is. Can anyone tell me of companies running similar schemes ?

Thanks

 

[Belmore]

Hi,

I just read your post and was wondering what field/sector etc your son was looking to get into. For instance I know of a few financial placements but it really depends on the sector and what degree he was looking to take.

Sam

 

[GraemeL]

Try googling

sponsored university degrees

Good luck,

G

 

[MDUK]

Hi, thanks for the responses.

I think a business degree would be his choice, that was what this company was offering. At sixth form he has chosen, history, politics, economics and business studies.

I will be googling away tonight, I'm at work and just got the text so only really got time to put the question to the forum.

 

[GraemeL]

There do seem to be quite a few possibilities - but then there are a lot of students.

If I was considering a £30k debt, I would definitely be thinking of it as a lot! And my ability to repay it would be a serious consideration. But my understanding of the student loans is that the monthly payment is tiny and that you only pay while you have a job over a specified salary level. Its a pretty safe deal and to my mind, not at all as onerous as a loan taken on the open market.

University is terrific for those who really want to go and make use of the time spent there. But because of the 50% policy introduced by the last government (Totally stupid idea in my view) we have both 'forced' students into university and just as importantly, lost a pool of talent who would have benefited from more vocational training.

So if your son is keen to go, I encourage you (and him) not to let the potential amount of debt stop him.