Don’t have the time or money to get a BA? If spending years in further education doesn’t sound appealing to you, there are other options available. A third of students regret going to university, listing reasons of debt and lack of jobs as the cause. The truth is, you don’t necessarily need years and years of studying to get well paid jobs.
Several career paths benefit from gaining experience over education. Many of these jobs come complete with good pay and lots of opportunity for growth, making them a sound career choice.
Whether you’re looking for a career change, or you’re new to the job field, we’ve found the best paid jobs that you can start with minimal training.
Here we showcase the top 10 high paying jobs with no experience. There are vast numbers of careers where skills and training are favoured over the traditional education route.
1. Firefighter
Firefighters can earn up to £40,000 per year, depending on their rank. Managers can earn around the £30,000 mark, while Station Managers may collect upwards of 40k. To start, you’ll need to pass written exams and aptitude tests. You have to be fit too – a number of physical exams are included as part of the selection process.
Find firefighter jobs on Monster.
2. Police Constable
As a police officer, there’s a variety of different roles you can do, and it’s not all about being out on the streets fighting crime directly. Salaries start at around £20,000 with the potential for growth of £45,000 and upwards for Sergeants. If you move into Inspector territory as your career progresses, you can expect up to £50,000.
Find police officer jobs on Monster.
3. Entrepreneur
You don’t technically need any qualifications to become a Business Owner – just a huge amount of drive, determination and a brilliant idea. With one in 10 Brits dreaming of owning their own businesses, what you earn will depend on how successful you are.
4. Train and Tram Drivers
Newly-qualified train drivers can earn up to £25,000, while experienced ones take home up to £50,000. There are some great benefits too, like free and discounted rail travel.
Find train driver jobs on Monster.
5. Training Managers
Training managers conduct training programs for employers in a variety of different sectors. The national Training Manager salary is £37,000, with the potential for more, depending on the company.
Find training manager jobs on Monster.
6. Project Manager
Project managers can work in a variety of different fields and are essentially responsible for making sure the project is successful. Roles include planning, budgeting, overseeing and documenting. The average salary is around £40,000 depending on the area and location. Get a head start by following our project manager job interview guide.
Find project manager jobs on Monster.
7. Air Traffic Controllers
There’s no degree needed here, but you will need three years’ training to obtain your air traffic control licence from the National Air Traffic Services (NATS), and have five GCSEs (grades A-C) behind you. Starting salaries are £17,000 to £21,000, while experienced Controllers can reach up to £50,000 depending on where you work and shift allowances.
Find air traffic controller jobs on Monster.
8. Sales Managers
Sales managers are responsible for leading their team towards a certain sales goal. You’ll need excellent IT skills, alongside the ability to lead a team. Basic salaries start at £18,000 and can reach a potential of £100,000 – and more.
Find sales manager jobs on Monster.
9. Construction Manager
Being a construction manager involves having good leadership and communication skills in order to coordinate and supervise projects. Although some of the work can be done from the office, this role also means working on site – in all weather. On the plus side, Construction Managers can earn upwards of £50,000. Plus even other construction roles, such as general labourers or electricians, typically earn a decent salary - and these jobs also don't require a degree.
Find construction manager jobs on Monster.
10. Hazardous Waste Manager
It might not sound appealing at first glance, but managers in this field can expect to receive upwards of £36,000 to get rid of company’s hazardous by-products that come from hospitals and factories. The level of skill required to do this role makes it incredibly lucrative.
Find hazardous waste manager jobs on Monster.
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