Uni

[Mollylegs]

Hi I was hoping someone could help with my query. My son is nearly 21 and has had the odd job in bars but he would like to try and go to uni but they have told him at the job centre its pointless. Does anyone know if this true? They said even if he went to uni there is no jobs at the end of it. He is not a stupid kid and we both feel going from bar work and supermarkets which is a job that pays and he's grateful for that but he would rather have a career in something more. Sorry if this needs moved that is fine. Thanks in advance.

Sounds like nonsense to me
What are his interests? What course would help him get where he wants you to be? Could he work and do open university? Lots of options available if he has the commitment

What does he want to do at university? And what sorts of sectors does he think he wants to work in after that?

Does he have A levels/equivalent? Or would he need a foundation year?

Hi @RoseAndRose He would have to do a foundation course. He would like to do a history degree. He has done a course in the past working with children and enjoyed that so possibly teaching. Thank you.

Hi, I'm sorry if it seems like nonsense to you but I'm genuinely looking for help. He is interested in history and/or working with children. He will have a look at open uni thank you, it's probably one of the better options.

I think the poster meant the Job Centre telling your DS that 'uni is useless' is nonsense! Not him wanting to go!

What exams has he currently got? Does he only work part-time at the moment? Are there any barriers to him going to university?

Hello @hashimotosucks I am so very sorry, I hope I didn't offend you. Another mumsnetter has pointed out that you probably meant the job centre are talking nonsense, apologies, so sorry.

Hi @Fordian thanks so much for pointing that out. I had misunderstood and apologised, thank you.

I think there is possibly some truth in what the job centre has said. There are a lot of graduates who can't get jobs. And they have a load of debt/money spent.

Regardless, if your ds wants to go to uni and has a degree in mind, he should pursue that without letting random comments dissuade him.

I think the aspiration to do a degree with a view to teaching is great - and should definitely be encouraged. Would he need to do an access to HE course first?

I also suggest he goes to some uni open days.

Hi @crumblingschools he only has his GCSEs but they are all B grades. It's because he is that bit older he's not to sure if that will mean he can't go and the job centre seem to be quite against it for some reason. His job is full time thank you.

Thanks @2921j2

Hi @Rebootnecessary he would have to do a course to get in.

If he has GCSEs at grade B he should be able to do some Further Education. Either A levels or similar.

A friend of mine did an access course and then a history degree after leaving the army, he was 40 odd at the time. If your son wants to do it, he should. Good luck to him..

I would be delighted that he aims for more, and I would encourage and support him. The age is not an issue at all. I know much older people who went back to school.
How would the person from the job centre know that it's pointless?! That's a stupid thing to say. My daughter finished on 1st of October, will start job on 1st of November. Same with 3 other of her close friends. That doesn't mean that everybody will immediately find a job. It depends on so many variables, that nobody can say it'll be pointless or a great success

He can work and study with the open university. He also needs to start getting office experience and apply for any type of entry level administrative or reception post to get his foot in the door and out of bar work.

Thanks for that @murasaki

Realistically, uni isn't the pathway to work that a lot of people think, unless he's going to do something like teacher training, nurse training etc.

However, for many people, uni is about so much more than that. It's a whole life experience that I think is well worth it - particularly if you live in.

He's not too much older than the other students either, so he will fit in fine. Student finance will help him afford it.

I feel like if he's only ever had odd jobs in bars, university could help him massively.

I did an Access course at 23 and then went on to university and a career I love.

He should absolutely investigate the idea and options.

Edited to add: my Access college planned my timetable to allow me to continue working as an admin assistant (I went part time). All things are achievable if you go in with a positive attitude!

How on earth is going to uni a waste of time? It's only a waste if he gets a degree and stays doing bar work rather than using it!

Access course would be his best bet. I think uni is a great thing to do.

I have watched one of mine do an access course at College, then on to a HNC, HND and finally on to complete a degree for his last year at local uni.

He has some challenges in life (waiting on adult autism diagnosis) and was a good (B's) results student. The college was brilliant with it, he even qualified for a bursary.

I would suggest speaking to local colleges as well - they have a lot more support than uni's in my experience, and are far more flexible, and offer a bigger variety of courses and 'ways in'. This often then leads in to a Uni, many of which have partnerships with the local college.

I would suggest that he has a job or end goal in mind - while learning is brilliant and all of us should do it, why get into debt for something which does not pay more than current job?

We are in Scotland, so courses etc are slightly different so I won't share the courses.

Hi @ladymactíre I'm really pleased. He was told getting a degree in history isn't going to get him very far, I'm not sure if she is just trying to be honest. Thank you