
Were you among those individuals who wished to complete? school and plunge right in headfirst into the world of work ? (Or let’s face it, they simply didn't achieve the required grades for higher education).
It doesn't always affect your income levels. While it's correct that individuals with a college education often make more money, it isn't the sole path to achieving success. high-paying career .
Actually, there are so many jobs Those that don’t demand a college diploma yet still offer substantial salaries. (Please keep in mind: each one demands significant effort and commitment. Remember, nothing is simply handed to us on a platter.)
Curious about which route you might take? Regardless of whether you're graduating from school this summer or considering a career shift later in life, here are seven high-earning jobs in the UK that don’t require a college degree.
Personal Trainer
Average Salary in 2023: £40,041 (Reference: Glassdoor and The Fitness Group) )
If you'd rather dedicate your free moments at the gym than hitting the books, this could be a sign that pursuing a profession in health and fitness may suit you well.
Even though you can skip university, becoming a physical therapist still necessitates a certain degree of education.
In the UK, typically you have to finish a Level 3 course. Personal Trainer Certainly, along with a Level 2 Gym Instructing program. Additionally, this course must receive approval from CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity).
The duration of the course varies based on your selection, ranging from a minimum of three weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks for completion.
PT programs explore the intricacies of the human body, focusing on areas like exercise physiology, biomechanics, and various aspects of anatomy. Additionally, you'll acquire skills to create customized workout plans tailored to each client’s fitness level, objectives, and requirements.
Pilot
Average Salary in 2023 : ₱2,375,940 - ₱4,852,830 ( Source — Glassdoor and The Pilot Guys )
Calling all daring travelers, interested in viewing the world as part of your work? If this sounds appealing, it’s time to apply to flight school.
Although you don't require a formal education, significant effort is necessary before you can be relied upon to lead people on vacation. In the UK Typically, future aviators pursue a comparable path: first acquiring a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), followed by earning a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and finally attaining an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). This process involves acing theoretical examinations, undergoing extensive flight training, and securing a Class 1 medical certification.
Numerous airlines have distinct programs. For instance, EasyJet provides a Multi-Crew Pilot License that covers 'the ins and outs of typical operational protocols' for the company. Much of your training will take place in a flight simulator (which seems incredibly exciting) and upon completion, you'll become a certified Co-Pilot at EasyJet along with obtaining a Type Rating.
The program lasts between 18 to 22 months and comes with a 'tag.' This ensures you will secure a position as a Co-Pilot on an easyJet Airbus A320.
Nonetheless, it requires significant financial investment; thus, being a pilot comes with substantial rewards. This specific EasyJet program has a price tag of approximately €100,529 (£84,823). So, start saving up. (Do not let this discourage you since loans for flight training are available in the UK.)
For British Airways recruitment, they utilize their Pilot Pathway programs. Among these is the Speedbird Pilot Academy Cadet program, offering comprehensive flight training at no cost to chosen applicants. This intensive course lasts between 18 to 24 months. Successful participants secure positions as pilots with British Airways.

Mortgage Advisor
Average Salary in 2023: £46,466 – £81,666 (Source – Reed)
If you prefer having both feet planted more securely on solid ground, why not consider becoming a mortgage advisor?
In the UK, candidates aspiring for this role must obtain a CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice), a Level 3 certification that mirrors the difficulty level of an A-Level. This certificate is recognized and authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
After passing, you will also have to enroll with the FCA as an 'approved person,' demonstrating that you fulfill their standards for honesty, integrity, competence, and suitability.
Afterward, several methods exist for entering the field. Gaining work experience through apprenticeships and trainee programs is common, along with employer-offered training sessions. Here, one can obtain their CeMAP certification while working, since numerous companies provide the course for staff growth.
Graphic Designer
Average Salary in 2023 : £24,390 (Source – Payscale)
Do you lean towards being more creative? Although historically, numerous graphic designers have pursued a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design or something comparable, this isn’t an absolute requirement.
You can pursue college courses ranging from an A-level in Graphic Communication to a Level 2 Technical Award in Graphic Design. Alternatively, you can opt for the Foundation Diploma route, dedicating a year to studying art and design.
If that doesn’t work out, there are numerous online short courses accessible nowadays. They enable you to enhance your abilities—especially with design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign—at your convenience.
After you've become proficient with the software and discovered your specialty, focus on expanding your portfolio. Is your friend operating a business that requires logo or design work? Propose your services to them. Alternatively, undertake top-notch personal projects that highlight your skills and ingenuity.
Sadly, graphic design is a highly competitive field, which means you must dedicate significant effort to building connections. Stay updated on current trends in the sector, forge relationships with fellow professionals, and participate in targeted networking gatherings. These events can be particularly useful for identifying prospective clients who might require your freelance expertise.
Likewise, watch for job openings as a salaried graphic designer.

Social Media Influencer
Average Salary in 2023: £35,144 – unlimited (Source – Glassdoor)
Okay, so you can't always ensure this becomes a career. However, you definitely don't require it. a degree .
Initially, identify your area of interest. What truly excites you? How does your material stand out from others'? Does it come across as genuine? After establishing your brand identity, proceed by sharing regular and captivating posts. Additionally, actively participate in discussions that resonate with your principles to build connections within your intended viewer group.
Frequently, individuals expand their follower base as an additional venture alongside holding down a full-time position. This situation frequently feels akin to juggling two demanding jobs simultaneously. At other instances, a single post might gain massive traction unexpectedly, thrusting you into the limelight all of a sudden.
In either case, after your follower count grows and you develop an actively engaged audience, that's when brands will begin approaching you for collaborations.
Once your online presence expands (typically around the 150,000 follower milestone), you'll probably start getting more partnership proposals and brand agreements. By then, handling all these tasks could become somewhat daunting, making professional management essential.
A lot of managers view this number of followers as a suitable starting point when collaborating with an influencer.
Electrician
Average Salary in 2023: £36,000 (Source – Reed)
Taking the conventional path of becoming an electrician allows you to earn a living without needing to invest three years in university education.
In the UK, various routes are available for you to take. These include undertaking an apprenticeship, obtaining a Level 2 or 3 diploma, or completing a Domestic Installer course. Additionally, earning a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installations will be necessary.
Many professionals prefer the apprenticeship route, which combines classroom education with on-the-job training. You can also train alongside qualified electricians. Either way takes around three to four years.
Train Driver
Average Salary in 2023: £48,500 – £61,000 (Source — Reed and Glassdoor)
Whether it’s airplanes or locomotives, if public transportation fascinates you, have you considered operating them yourself? Furthermore, nothing compares to exploring the finest landscapes Britain has to offer from behind the wheel.
As per the official government site, you can qualify as a train operator by submitting an application to a railway firm for enrollment in a Train Driver Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship program.
The duration ranges from one to two years and integrates both classroom instruction and practical work experience.
Instead, you might begin your career as a train conductor, rail passenger assistant, or revenue officer at a railway company, then apply for a trainee driver role after accumulating some industry experience. This appears to be among the most typical pathways into becoming a train driver. London Underground drivers.
British firms that offer employees a portion of the profits
Does owning a part of the corporate pie come as a must in your career?
As contemporary employees increasingly seek more than just a salary From their superiors, an employer who adds such incentives is more likely to attract (and retain) skilled employees.
Therefore, if you happen to be on the job hunt right now, Axofa has put together a collection of British companies that distribute the profits.
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