Which Career Path Should I Choose? Need Help Deciding Between Apprenticeships/Jobs

Hi everyone,

I’m 20 years old and facing a tough career decision that I’ve been overthinking for months. I’d really appreciate some advice from people with experience in engineering, apprenticeships, or related fields. My ultimate goal is to earn a high salary (£50k+ as soon as possible) and work in a prestigious, future-proof industry with strong long-term opportunities for progression.

Currently, I have an offer for an apprenticeship in engineering that focuses on aerospace and nuclear systems. The starting pay isn’t great—around £19k in the first year—but it steadily rises to £40k by the time I qualify at 24. Many people in this field go on to earn £50-60k within a few years, so it feels like a solid long-term path. The industry is prestigious, and the skills I’d gain would be highly technical and specialized, which aligns with my interests.

However, I worry about my age. Most apprentices in this program start at 17-19, and while the age gap isn’t massive, I can’t help but feel like I’m starting late. I also wonder if I should have pursued this route earlier, and whether I’ll feel out of place working with younger apprentices.

Another option I’ve considered is staying in the rail industry, where I’ve already worked for a couple of years. I could take a different apprenticeship or specialist role there, with starting pay around £30k by 24, but I’d likely be working night shifts, which I’m not keen on. The roles aren’t as technical or prestigious, but they’re solid and offer good progression.

I’ve also thought about going to university to earn a full engineering degree. I already have £25k in savings, so I could fund myself, but that would mean spending the next 3-4 years without earning full-time. On the plus side, I’d graduate with a higher qualification, which could open up more opportunities, but I’m not sure if the trade-off would be worth it given the apprenticeship already offers great long-term prospects.

One of my biggest concerns is falling behind my peers. If I take the apprenticeship, my salary will initially be lower than friends who are already earning £30-35k. Should I be worried about this, or does it not really matter in the long run once I’m qualified?

To add another layer of complexity, I’ve also looked into military engineering roles. They’re hands-on and technical, but the lifestyle might not suit me long-term, especially if I want a family.

I guess my main questions are: • Am I too old to start this apprenticeship, or does age not really matter in the long term? • Should I be considering university instead to get a degree? • Is it a mistake to take a lower salary now if I know it’ll lead to better pay and progression later?