Pay: starts at £16,500 rising to £100,000.

How to get there: No specific educational qualifications are needed for an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence, though you must pass exams in maths and physics, and a stringent medical. For an airline you’ll need five GCSEs (including science) and two A levels (maths and physics). Pilots who have trained in the Armed Services can take a conversion course. Some airlines run sponsorship schemes to cover training fees. Many pilots pay for their own training. Cost: £50,000 or more.

DIPLOMATIC SERVICE

Pay: starting salary for an operational officer is £17,781.

How to get there: You can enter without a degree. Operational grade officers need five GCSEs at C or above and three years’ office experience; or two A levels and one year in an office.
www.fco.gov.uk

CHEF

Pay: junior starting at £8,000 rising to more than £30,000 as head chef.

How to get there: No academic qualifiactions are required, but there are vocation credentials that can be taken. Many chefs still learn on the job.

AMBULANCE PARAMEDIC

Pay: around £21,500.

How to get there: Non-graduate paramedics are chosen from ambulance technicians. Paramedics have to requalify every three years and must be registered with the Paramedics Board at the Health Professions Council (HPC). To enrol you need a HPC-approved qualification and period of training. For the work-based route you should be at least 18 (21 in some services) and have a full clean driving licence. Some ambulance services require at least four GCSEs and entrance exams.
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk; 0845 6060655

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