Is college the right choice? Exploring alternative education pathways 

For many learners across Wales, college is a positive experience, but for others, whether they’re 17 or 37, it simply isn’t the right fit.  

That’s why we look to make sure we champion apprenticeships as an alternative learning pathways to make sure individuals can grow and thrive in their careers. Our apprenticeships are tailored to each learner and employer to maximise the quality of our delivery. By combining real work with structured learning, we can help apprentices develop confidence, capability, and practical skills while adding genuine value from day one. 

Recent Welsh Government figures show that 15.1% of people aged 16–24 in Wales were classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in the year ending June 2025, an increase from the previous year. 

[Source: Welsh Government – Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), 2024–2025] 

While this doesn’t tell us exactly who has left college and why, it does suggest that traditional education routes don’t work for everyone and that people need different ways to learn. 

Leaving college doesn’t mean stepping backwards 

There’s a common misconception that leaving college means giving up on education or career ambitions.  Many people: 

Our apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16+ living and working in Wales. They are fully funded by the Welsh Government, making them a flexible option whether someone is just leaving school or rethinking their path later in life. Looking for a job role to get started? Apply for an apprenticeship vacancy here.   

Careers Wales data shows that while many young people initially enter further education, staying engaged long-term can be challenging for some 

[Source: Careers Wales – Year 11 Destinations 2024] 

That’s where a more practical, people-centred approach can make all the difference. 

Apprenticeships: real work, real learning, real confidence 

At Educ8 Training, we believe meaningful progress comes from combining real work with structured learning. Apprenticeships allow people to build confidence, capability and practical skills while adding genuine value from day one. 

We offer apprenticeships from Levels 2 to 5 across multiple sectors, supporting learners at different stages of their careers, from entry-level roles through to higher-level development. 

For many learners, apprenticeships work because they: 

Apprenticeships aren’t a ‘second option’; they’re a strong, practical route into long-term careers. 

Why apprenticeships work for employers too 

Progress starts with the people inside every organisation. 

For employers, apprenticeships are a powerful way to invest directly in individuals with the potential to grow, contribute and thrive within their teams. Rather than trying to hire ready-made skills, employers can shape talent around their: 

Apprenticeships support long-term workforce planning, boost productivity, improve retention and help build loyal, motivated teams who grow with the business. 

This people-first approach doesn’t just fill vacancies; it builds stronger foundations for sustainable success. 

A different route, built around people 

Whether someone leaves college early, tries higher education later in life and decides it’s not the right fit, or simply wants a more practical way to learn, apprenticeships offer a flexible, inclusive alternative. 

At Educ8 Training, we believe progress always starts with people. By helping learners and employers develop through high-quality apprenticeships, we support stronger businesses, empower individuals and support building a more resilient Welsh economy, now and for the future. 

If you would like to discuss our apprenticeships and how they can work for you or your business, please get in touch Supporting Welsh Businesses – Educ8