Is it too late for University?

[Jordanblackpool]

Hi guys, got a couple of questions for someone if they can help me.

Im currently 24 and in a really good sales related job, but at the minute im struggling to see a future for me in it, I dont have the enthusiasm I did a few years back.

Recently ive been thinking about becoming a primary school teacher, I have GCSEs at C or above and A diploma equivelant to good a levels. But I am struggling understanding what sort of courses to take, funding etc and basically how to get into teaching.

But the main thing is, at 24 is it too late for me to go to Uni? Its four years studying I think and id be 28 by the time I have done and not guaranteed a job, so really im just looking for any advice off anyone who has had this sort of problem or past experience before.

Cheers

 

[wideeyes]

I went to uni at 23 and graduated at 27. Age wise it is not to late, there was people on teaching courses at my uni in their late 30s however I would be 100% sure before leaving a good job to go into teaching as there is not enough teaching jobs to go around for all the teaching graduates. It is a high risk at the moment.

 

[2Tiggies]

I say it's never too late. It is more a case of practicality.

As someone who has done similar to what you intend, several times, I can honestly say that I found there to be so many advantages of studying when you are older. There is something about the additional years exposure and experience of various aspects of life.

28 is young, trust me. If this is what you want to do, then go for it. IMO you are in a much better position to make a decision now than you are at school-leaving stage.

 

[mandymouse]

I agree, it's never too late to go to Uni, so I say go for it

Good luck

 

[scojos]

im a DT teacher (food specialism), DT teachers are v v hard to find, but other subjects (like PE) are 2 a penny.
depends on what you want to specialise in, as to whether you d find a job, the area, your experience etc.
have you had experience of rug rats? teaching the same kids 5 hours a day takes a special person, mine are gone after an hour
starting salary is not great (and yes we get decent holidays but they are not 13 weeks of doing nothing holidays...i have a TON of work to do before september and im chasing my own tail to do it before we leave (my 1 hour dissing is my down time each night), but I LOVE my job, i retrained at 30, so no, you are not too old for uni

 

[disney_princess_85]

Jordan, it's never too late for uni. I think now is the ideal time to go, while you're in your 20s. I had the best time at uni and I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[jen_uk]

I teach adults on an Access to uni course, its for adults who have been out of education for a long time and want to go to uni. Anyway, the average age of these adults is 35+ and they all go to uni and love it. You are never too old to go, if anything you will have an advantage over the 18 year olds as you have some life experience. With regards to doing a primary school teaching course, the places are very competitative to get onto so if you can get some work experience with kids before you apply it would really help you.

 

[joolz1910]

I agree with Jen - try to get some work experience with primary age kids to see if it's the job for you. You're never too old for uni. When I did my degree, there was a pensioner doing it called Monica and she loved it.

 

[luke]

im a DT teacher (food specialism), DT teachers are v v hard to find, but other subjects (like PE) are 2 a penny.

Oddly, our DT department is so down on hours that most of our DT teachers must teach about 60% of their timetables on other subjects!!! Massive department, not so many lessons (only found out the other day that a DT course was no longer compulsary at KS4!!

Anyway, on topic, it's definitely not too late, and I'd say get on one of the degree + teaching courses rather than do a degree then a PGCE, at this stage.

As Tracey says tho, get some experience, even if it's just some volunteer work at some kind of summer club, just so you know if you still think it's for you (I worked as a TA for a year before doing my PGCE).

After my Hispanic Studies degree, a year working as a TA, my PGCE then nearly 2 years on supply, I didn't get my first full time teaching job until I was nearly 27 - so you're definitely not too old at all

 

[Dollyrar]

I am having similar thoughts to you about my career. I work in an office job that I am pretty good at, but want to find something more interesting/inspiring with my life. I just feel that at 29 years of age, I am already past the point where I can re-train. Having loans/rent to pay/living with a partner etc makes it a really tough decision for me I know that isn't the absolute truth about it being too late, but it's very a very stressful thing to have on your mind.
I already have a music degree, but I don't want to perform for a living anymore or teach. I want to try something new, but it is really tough to think about changing jobs/careers in this climate. Sometimes I just think to myself that I'm lucky to have a job at all, and it's better the devil you know?
I agree with what others have said about studying in your twenties/thirties as opposed to teens. I actually feel it would inspire you to get the most out of any course you do
I would say go for it, as long as you feel there is a good chance that you will gain a good job at the end of it. I feel that degrees are losing their worth somewhat nowadays unless they are job specific, so be sure that whatever course you choose will set you up well
Good luck whatever you decide

 

[Booknut]

I definitely don't think you're too old, I was your age when I started my law degree and i'm almost 37 and thinking of retraining to do something else!

I don't know if this is an option for you but I took my degree part-time in the evenings, over 4 years. This enabled me to work full time and to 'start' at the bottom in a law firm and get lots of experience. I had a great time and made some wonderful friends, some were my age and some were in their 30's and 40's. It was two nights a week and does require a lot of determination because obviously you just aren't getting the same amount of 'teaching' so you need to be very committed at reading and being prepared for your lessons ahead of time so you can ask and make the best use of your lecture and tutorial times.

The Open University is another option. You could start out by taking a 2 year diploma in a subject you are interested in, like maybe early years education and then add on to it to form your Bachelor of Arts or Science etc. You could then go on to do your PGCE into teaching or perhaps something else if you decide your interest lies elsewhere.

Volunteer work will also get you some experience in working with children and will give you a better idea if that is where you'd like to focus your studies on.

 

[Ware Bears]

My niece is 29 and is starting at uni for the first time this autumn.

Go for it!

 

[PJB71]

I can't offer you any uni advise, as dont really know an awful lot about it(other than DH's niece has just got a 1yr uni placement in Austraila and shes 22. Shes in her 2nd year of a 3yr course)

But at the end of the day Jordan, you only get one life so try and make the most of it and be as happy as you can

 

[Jordanblackpool]

Cheers for the advice here everyone, it really does help loads! I thought everyone went to Uni between 18-21....How wrong could I be!!!

I have experience of working with children mainly through my football coaching and have always thoroughly enjoyed it and come from a family with a teacher in it!

Think its just a case of finding the right course/options for me now....and the one with the best nightlife!