I ditched school at 15 with just two GCSEs… now I earn £50k in an AI-proof job that will see me on £100k in 5 years

AT just 21, Hugo Helms is saving for his first home and expects to make six-figures in the next five years. Not bad for a bloke who left school at 15 with just two GCSEs, ditching the idea of A-levels and university in favour of an apprenticeship. Hugo Helms ditched school at 15 and now makes £50k a year as a carpenter Hugo thinks more youngsters should consider trades as a career path Credit: Hugo Helms He is one of the thousands of young people each year who decide not to go to college and uni, opting for a hands-on jobs that gets them earning instead. Now thriving as a fully qualified carpenter, Hugo from Portsmouth, Hampshire, said not studying for a degree was the “best decision” he has ever made and he would have been “wasting” three years of his life. The tradesman earns up to £50,000 a year, and on top of carpentry has started his own business, Toolkit Conduct, offering help and advice to young people aspiring to be tradesmen. By growing his business, Hugo expects to earn £100,000 in the next five years, with ToolKit projected to boost his income by £50,000. He said: “I’m proof you don’t need A-Levels or a university degree to be earning yourself a good living. “Now I am saving for my first home, something that might have been unachievable at my age if I hadn’t gone into the trades.” University used to be the dream Although he originally wanted to go to university Hugo doesn’t regret his decision to enter the trades Credit: Hugo Helms Unlike some peers who may leave school after struggling academically, Hugo said he excelled, receiving top grades and in the top sets in his classes. The carpenter said that university felt like the natural next step in his life after college – something he would enjoy with his mates. But, while studying Drama in year 9, he changed his mind and said he felt like schooling was a “waste of time” and decided he wanted to take up a trades apprenticeship. Hugo said: “I was in a drama class and instead of doing something practical we were watching Billy Elliot and describing what we saw and all the theory behind it. “I just had this overwhelming sense that I was just wasting my time.” Hugo’s dad, Nathan, 57, is a successful business owner selling taps as well as a spray paint finishing company, and was behind his plan to opt for trades instead of A-Levels. With his parents’ support, Hugo left school and completed his education at home to gain the two GCSEs he needed for his next step. He passed both with Grade 5s (B) after being homeschooled by his mum, Lisa, 55, a part-time sales assistant, before starting his carpentry and joinery apprenticeship in 2021. Hugo started his apprenticeship that September and finished 18 months later in May. He was paid just £4.30 an hour. From drop-out to business owner In 2021 Huge launched his own carpentry business and has also started a second business that he hopes will help others Credit: Hugo Helms Almost five years on Hugo, is running his own carpentry business and has “peace of mind” knowing that his job is unlikely to be replaced by AI. He said: “I feel like an adult and I am treated like one too. “If you fail a university exam, who does it affect, only yourself really, but if I don’t fit a new roof properly and it blows away in a storm, I’ve misplaced a family. “There can be a lot of anxiety in the day-to-day job.” However, Hugo feels starting work early has prepared him for life in ways that going to university wouldn’t have. “It has taught me how to behave around people, how to build respect and trust, things they don’t teach in a degree. “It isn’t the easiest of transitions, but it has built my character and put me in a way stronger position financially than if I had gone to university.” He started his business as a self-employed subcontractor in January 2024 and now builds traditional Victorian cupboards, bespoke wardrobes, even fitting large spiral staircases, floating balconies, kitchens, and roofs. The chippy has started saving for a house, something he hopes to have achieved in the next five years if all goes as planned. His education company, Toolkit Conduct, supports young people in apprenticeships, helping them get the most out of their roles. With his parents’ backing, Hugo felt confident going into trades and ditching his academic career Credit: Hugo Helms Looking ahead Hugo hopes to grow his ToolKit Conduct business to bring in £50k a year. Credit: Hugo Helms “I’m currently offering annual workshops to schools, colleges and other educational institutions as well as other potential revenue streams through media and sponsors. “Most of the work I’ve done so far with young people has been voluntary, to get my name out there and build a reputation.” He calculates that if he can persuade businesses to pay for the training for their recruits, he could double his overall income running just three or four workshops a year. With his eyes firmly set on the future, Hugo has no regrets about missing out on higher education. “I could have gone to university if I had stayed on in school as I was getting high grades, but I’m glad I didn’t, as I wouldn’t have the life I have now if I did. “I believe the trades scene is where you can learn the most as a young person.” How to find the right apprenticeship for you APPRENTICESHIPS are the UK’s most popular professional qualifications, held by one in 20 of the workforce. How to decide if an apprenticeship is right for you Anyone can become an apprentice, whether you are starting work or changing career. If you can, get some relevant work experience beforehand, to help understand more about the sector or role. You will also gain skills that employers need. Search Skills For Life to find out more. How to find an apprenticeship There are more than 660 types of apprenticeships available in the UK. See http://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship or talk to your local careers adviser by contacting the National Careers Service. Which course? Apprenticeships take between one and six years to complete, depending on what type, which level and your previous experience. For people with little or no experience, an intermediate (Levels 2 or 3) is a good place to start. You can progress with advanced (Levels 4 or 5) and higher and degree apprenticeships (Levels 6 and 7). Top tips to ace your application When you have found one you are interested in, either complete an application form or submit a CV and covering letter. The National Careers Service has guidance on how to write a CV, how to write your letter, and application form advice. Set yourself up for success Be open-minded and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. You will usually complete 20% of your studies at college or with a training provider, so it is important to make time to learn and stay organised, particularly for those juggling family or other commitments outside work.