Real Gap Experience: Uni applications fall means more gap years

A leading gap year organisation is expecting to see a rise in the number of people taking a year out overseas during 2012.

Real Gap Experience said the 8.7 per cent drop in university applications reported by UCAS this week could translate into increased participation in gap year projects.

"Those who decide not to attend university will no-doubt be looking for work enhancing skills they can learn and enjoy to have a more rounded experiences," the organisation stated.

The firm - a Year Out Group member - added that the drop in university applicants demonstrates the need for a well-planned and structured type of travel.

Real Gap Experience said future employers will be looking to perspective employees to show their worth and that they used their time away in a constructive manner.

So taking part in a gap year project or structured adventure will not only be great fun, but also serve as a CV-enhancing endeavour.

Sam Cox, managing director of Real Gap Experience, said some youngsters are realising that a university degree is not the "be-all-and-end-all" and that an internship will give them a good head start.

He commented that practical work experience can be immediately translated into the trade or job for which they have been apprenticed.

"What's more if the youngsters gain other skills on a trip abroad, these can then be used in a constructive way when they return," Mr Cox said.

He added that A-level students, and even their future employers, recognise the "cultural and experiential benefits" of stepping out from an all too familiar comfort zone and heading off on an adventure overseas.

Check out all the different gap year programs on offer.