More wise words in this link: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/8208592/University-vs-school-of-life-Degrees-no-guarantee

…Completing a degree does not guarantee employment. It may get your foot in the door because it shows that you are able to commit yourself to something and see it through. What employers really want, is experience. You see that word in almost every job advert, anywhere. Having experience made all the difference in me being able to secure a job in the field I wanted, instead of having to continue on being employed in retail.

How did I get my experience? I volunteered. I gave up my time for free (a thought that a lot of people find strange). This allowed me to meet people who could offer me greater opportunities than just being the person who helped with registration or pack-up at an event. I can say with 100 per cent certainty that if I had not volunteered for two and a half years, I would not have been offered the current job I have, and have had for over a year.

To read the whole article please go to: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/8208592/University-vs-school-of-life-Degrees-no-guarantee

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/8217818/Don-t-go-to-university-if-you-re-unsure

…I now know that if I stayed and completed seventh form, just to try and get University Entrance, I would have messed around as I would have had no idea what I wanted to do. I have not stopped studying at any time…

If I could give any advice, it would be that if you’re not sure what you want to do, go to a company that does what you think you would like to do, and ask them what qualifications you need to get in to which role.

Get them to explain the roles so you better understand them. They may say you only need a certificate to get a foot in the door; so start from the bottom and get a better understanding of the industry, then make a decision.

Unfortunately, many people coming fresh out of university with degrees are starting off as trainees, working under me for many jobs, for less money.

When I finish, I’ll be 25, with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Diploma in Plant Engineering, and a Degree in Chemical and Process Engineering (with Hons), as well as having two-and-a-half-years’ experience. My student loan will be small as work is paying for most of it (and I’ve saved up money over these two years). I still know many people in the industry that I know would be interested in hiring me, and if worst comes to the worst, I still would have an enjoyable job available to me, doing what I’m doing now.

Don’t go to uni because everyone else is; go because you want to study and work in a field that you’re passionate about, or else you’ll regret it later on. I can guarantee it.

To read the whole article please go to: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/8217818/Don-t-go-to-university-if-you-re-unsure

For those of you with children who are interested in an engineering or automotive qualification, MIT is keen to have homeschooled students.

Under Youth Guarantee, level 3 courses are free for 16 and 17 year olds. These courses can lead to diplomas and degrees. Our son is 16 and has been accepted into L 2/3 electrical engineering certificate. He is also planning to do an extra maths paper towards a degree. All for free

The aptitude tests are free, a reasonable level of maths, physics & English and an interest in your subject will get you in.

Enrolments are being taken now.

Thanks to Jillian and AHE for this info.