Training vs. studying: advantages and disadvantages explained

Whether you opt for an apprenticeship or a degree course is an important question when planning your professional future. Both options have their advantages and it's important to understand the differences in order to make the right choice for you. In this article, we take a look at the key differences between apprenticeships and degree courses and highlight the pros and cons, as well as the dual study program as a possible alternative.

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Specialist know-how vs. a broad spectrum of knowledge:

An apprenticeship provides you with specific specialist knowledge for a particular profession. You develop specialized skills and are focused on working in a specific area. For example, if you are training to become a warehouse specialist or retail salesperson, you will learn all about warehouse organization and inventory management in a warehouse or how the flow of goods works. As a retail specialist, you can specialize in customer advice and sales right from the start, or excel in merchandise management and inventory control. A logistics or business administration degree, on the other hand, offers you a broader range of knowledge and the opportunity to get to know different specialist areas. You would learn everything from business math and statistics to business law that is somehow related to logistics or business administration. Nevertheless, the specific, specialist expertise you acquire through an apprenticeship may be more in demand on the job market, because niche knowledge is more important than a broad overview these days.

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Direct career entry vs. academic training:

With a completed apprenticeship, you are immediately ready to start your career. You have already gained practical experience and can directly apply the knowledge you have learned. At the same time, you will earn money during your apprenticeship, giving you financial independence . Now you're probably wondering: What is the salary for training as a warehouse specialist and the training salary for a retail sales assistant? 

Salaries vary depending on the trainer and apprenticeship year. Generally speaking, however, you will earn more than during your studies and will not have to sacrifice extra time alongside your studies to work in a part-time job.

In addition, a degree often requires a longer period of academic training before you can start your career. Training therefore allows you to start your career more quickly and spend less time on your parents' pocket.

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Practical orientation vs. theory:

An apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to gain practical experience and work directly in the professional field right from the start. You get to know the specific processes and acquire specialist know-how, whereas a degree course focuses on theoretical knowledge, which provides a broad spectrum of knowledge but may offer fewer immediate application options. 

The search for an apprenticeship also prepares you for the job search in real life: You apply and try to impress the company during an interview. Your motivation and passion for the apprenticeship will play a bigger role than your school grades and you will usually receive direct feedback from the company. In contrast, the application process at universities tends to be anonymous and very qualification-based. In most cases, you not only need to have passed your A-levels, but also the best possible NC. Then there are various language certificates, special achievements in certain subject areas or experience abroad. And all this without ever being able to introduce yourself in person. That makes the interview sound much more relaxed. 

It's getting even more relaxed, because nowadays companies are really fighting over trainees as there are fewer and fewer of them. So apply for an apprenticeship at Libri or for an apprenticeship at Schaeflein and see for yourself.

Dual study program: The combination of theory and practice:

The dual study program combines the best of both worlds. You combine theoretical knowledge at the university with practical experience at the company. Regular practical phases allow you to apply what you have learned directly and deepen your knowledge. The dual study program offers optimal preparation for starting a career by providing you with both academic qualifications and practical experience. However, please note that a dual study program can be more time-consuming, as you will be attending lectures as well as working in the company.

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When choosing between training and studying, it ultimately comes down to your individual interests, skills and goals. An apprenticeship has the advantage that you can gain an early foothold in your desired profession and gain professional experience. This practical hands-on experience can be a big plus. At the same time, you earn money during your apprenticeship, which gives you financial independence. There are various companies, such as Schaeflein or Libri, that offer apprenticeships and pay an appropriate apprenticeship salary.

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