The trend of young people choosing to enrol in work-based training instead of choosing to attend university is on the rise in some countries. The advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages, as eventhough formal degree gives extensive insight into the area of students interest, it lacks the hands on experience that work-based training has to offer along with the a headstart in career.
Even though some might argue that a university degree is important to ensure that the young people being hired are well equiped with the relevant knowledge, if the student later finds out that they are not built for the chosen career, this wastes four years of their studies without substantial return. On the other hand, a person who has enrolled in work based training can test their aptitude for the hands on job much faster and make the shift required more conviniently.
Moreover, even though work based training initially pays less than what a university graduate earns, it gives young people a headstart in their career. For example, a person enrolled in university today will start earning four years from now assuming they find a job right after graduating. While a person enrolled in work-based training today will already be receiving a salary. By the time the student graduates and finds a job, the trainee might as well be earning more than the salary that the graduate gets offered at entry level.
In a nutshell, the pros of young people enrolling in work-based training clearly outweigh its cons, as not only is it monetarily rewarding, it also allows people to switch careers easily.