A-level results day: 8 well paid jobs that don't require a university degree

You don't always need a university degree to land a top job — here are some of the best paying career paths without the student cost

Heating and plumbing engineers can earn up to £36k with top manufacturing companies (Getty)

With exam results days fast approaching, many students will soon find themselves faced with important decisions to make over their future.

More than half a million people were entered into degree courses last year, making university an increasingly popular option among school-leavers.

But proposed increases to tuition fees and steep competition for the most popular courses give enough reason for many to look at university alternatives.

Furthermore, a recent survey by Aviva found that almost half of people surveyed who went to university said they could have got to where they are in life without the benefit of a university degree.

There are still plenty of well-paid careers that don't require a BA or BSc — and you may be suprised to discover how much you could earn.

Claire Harvey, senior divisional director for REED North, advises: “For students who are receiving their A-level results this year there are alternatives to going to university to study for a degree. For some, university is not for them but many successful and exciting careers are available with a number of jobs offering opportunities to study while working."

“As a consultant, excellent knowledge and interest in business along with strong communication and influencing skills are the most important qualities needed to progress. I can personally vouch for this, as a Director in Recruitment success for me was based on results not a degree.”

For those not going down the university route, here are some of the top careers available which don’t require a degree, in collaboration with REEDglobal.com.