University vs apprenticeship: What is the best career choice?

Sky News spoke to Dedipya and Serenna, who both secured roles at technology giant IBM (NYSE: IBM - news) through different routes.

Why I chose an apprenticeship scheme

Dedipya Rimal, 20, Client Technical Specialist at IBM (Swiss: IBM-USD.SW - news)

I didn't go to university because I'm a kinaesthetic learner.

I can't sit down and listen when people explain things to me - I like to learn on the job.

After GCSEs, I studied A-levels at college and I really didn't know what to do after.

But then a friend told me about apprenticeships and sent me a web link to a few different schemes.

I applied for three apprenticeships and IBM called me. After a couple of interviews, I got the job.

My decision not to go to university was not money-based because my dad had always said he would help me, or I could get a student loan.

I didn't know what to expect when I began the scheme, but I was treated like a full-time employee as soon as I joined and I've been given so much responsibility.

I feel like the apprenticeship scheme gave me a clear path and it's a plus that I get to learn and earn.

I'm really happy - I get to work with the coolest technology and travel the world for my work.

I think the scheme was the right route for me because I already have a professional network of people who see what I can do and I get to talk to people at the forefront of technology.

Everyone here at IBM is on a level playing field, and whether we did an apprenticeship or a degree, we all have different skills to offer.

Lots of my friends went to university, but I really don't feel like I missed out on anything - a bunch of us apprentices enjoy going out together.

Now I'm two years in, I'm pleased that I did an apprenticeship - I even have a flatmate who wishes he had done it.

Why I chose to go to university

Serenna Mackenzie, 23, Cloud Division Seller, IBM

When I was choosing what to do after college, I was put off going to university by the huge fees (my year was the first to cost £9,000 per year) and I wasn't sure what I would study.

However, there weren't many apprenticeship schemes available and most entry-level jobs were asking for a degree as a minimum requirement.

So I took the advice of my teachers, friends and family and chose something which I enjoyed.

I enrolled at Aston University on a four-year business and management degree.

I gained a great foundation across a range of disciplines including economics, law, marketing and operations, which have all helped now I am working in a business environment.

Yet, going to university gave me more than just an education - it provided me with a whole experience.

I loved the independence and the excitement of living in central Birmingham and I met some great people.

My third year was a placement, which I did with IBM in Hursley, near Winchester.

It was a fantastic experience and I was surprised by how much responsibility I was given.

I would recommend to anyone to take up a placement year if their course allows - it acts as a differentiator in a competitive graduate market.

I re-applied to IBM to join their graduate scheme and I'm now a Software Seller in IBM's Cloud business, looking after local government and healthcare customers in London.