28 Apr 5 Careers That Don’t Require A Degree

Education is a valuable tool, however it’s a common misconception that it’s the only route to success. Here are some careers to consider which don’t require a degree and also offer the chance for progression and high salaries.

Air Traffic Control

If excellent communication skills, problem solving and coordination are your strong points, then air traffic control may be a career to consider. People in this role are responsible for signalling the take off of planes, guiding the pilot during landing and monitoring the aircraft during flight.

Salary: £17,000 to £50,000

Requirements:

• 5 GCSES grade C or above, including English and Maths
• Physically fit and able to pass the basic medical requirements.

NATS (The National Air Traffic Control Service) have developed a series of virtual reality games to help candidates determine whether they are right for the role. It takes on average 3 years of training to obtain a licence and start this career.

The Police Force

Joining the police force is a rewarding career which involves dealing with the public, enforcing laws and maintaining the structure of society. The recruitment process for this role is set to take major changes this year, requiring all candidates to undertake an undergraduate degree in a policing subject or similar field, however an apprenticeship option will become available.  

Other civil services that don’t require University include the Royal Navy, The Army and Firefighters.

Salary: £19,000 – £38,000 depending on experience.

Basic requirements:

• Able to pass medical tests
• Clean background that is free of convictions

Chef

Chefs are people who love cooking, can work long and unsocial hours and have excellent organisational skills. As such a practical hands-on job, on the job training is strongly encouraged. Many businesses offer the opportunity for talented individuals to work their way up the ranks of the cheffing hierarchy which can start off as basic as kitchen portering. The next levels would then be Commis Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef and eventually Head Chef.  

Trainee salary: £13,000 – £18,000. Experienced chefs: £20,000 – £30,000, depending on level.

Requirements:

• A passion for cooking
• Ability to perform under pressure

The routes for this career are not limited to the restaurant/hotelier industry. Some chefs start up their own catering businesses or become a private chef for affluent families or individuals, which usually pays a higher salary.

Cabin Crew

For a career that enables someone to travel around the world, some would expect that a degree in travel and tourism is essential. Although this would be useful, it is not a vital requirement for an entry level role in this sector. Cabin crew provide customer service on flights and are also trained on how to deal with emergency situations on board.

Salary: £12,000 – £20,000 depending on experience – plus commission and performance tops ups.

Requirements:

• GCSE’S Grade C or above
• Ability to swim 25 metres
• Able to pass basic medical requirements
• Minimum height or reach requirement, which varies depending on the airline

Breaking into private aviation is the highest the career can take you, which pay flight attendants  2 – 8 times more than a commercial airline. 

Train & Tram Drivers

Possibly the highest paying career on this list, senior train drivers can earn a salary of up to £65,000 and applicants for this role don’t need to hold any higher level qualifications. On the job training is provided which can last between 1-2 years. The average annual pay for this role, according to UnionLearn, is £55,120.

Requirements:

• 20 + years old
• Able to pass medical and background tests
• Live within an hour of the depot

We Can Help

Even if you don’t know what you want to do, don’t worry; One thing sometimes leads to another, so staying in the workforce is important.

Kiwi Recruitment are here to assist you on your job search and help whilst you are deciding on your future by offering a range of temporary assignments. Temporary work is a great way to help you evaluate your skills, broaden your CV, and help you determine what industries take your interest.

We offer roles in hospitality, industrial, office and more. For more information, call us on 01243 782763, email [email protected], or pop into our office at 27-28 Southgate, Chichester, for more information.

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