Hugo Helms, 21, who left school at 15, now earns up to £50,000 a year as a fully qualified carpenter and runs his own business. He aims to double that income within the next five years.
Hugo, from Portsmouth, Hampshire, considered going to university after A-Levels but changed his mind at 15. His parents took him out of secondary school and into the trades, where he now works as a qualified carpenter.
Best decision of his life
Hugo said it was the "best decision" he has ever made not to "waste" three years of his life studying a degree. He now earns up to £50,000 a year, in contrast to other people his age who have racked up £40,000 of debt and are struggling to find graduate jobs.
In addition to his carpentry business, Hugo runs Toolkit Conduct, a venture offering help and advice to young people aspiring to be tradesmen. He started the business around 18 months ago after finishing his own apprenticeship and realising the lack of support within the industry.
No need for A-Levels or a degree
"I'm proof you don't need A-Levels or a university degree to be earning yourself a good living," Hugo says. "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."
Hugo continued: "I believe the trades scene is where you can learn the most as a young person. If you want to be a doctor, scientist, engineer, or lawyer, then it is worthwhile going as you will learn the vital knowledge to become one of those things.
"But not if you are going to do something else, let it be a hobby, it doesn't need to be something you have to waste money studying. I'm doing well for myself, but I am ambitious and am looking to grow Toolkit Conduct exponentially as I know I can."
Turning point in a drama class
Hugo said he excelled at school, receiving top grades and being in the top sets. University felt like the natural next step after college, but while studying drama in Year 9, he felt schooling was a "waste of time" and decided he wanted to take up a trades apprenticeship.
"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. I spoke to my parents that I wanted to do a trades apprenticeship instead of my A-Levels, and they were all for it."
Hugo left school and completed his education at home. He sat his two GCSE exams in Maths and English, passing both with Grade 5s, equivalent to a B grade. He was then home schooled by his mum, Lisa, 55, a part-time sales assistant, for the next year before starting his carpentry and joinery apprenticeship in 2021.
Running his own business
Almost five years on, Hugo has completed his Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications and runs his own carpentry business. He builds traditional Victorian cupboards, bespoke wardrobes, and fits large spiral staircases, floating balconies, kitchens, and roofs.
The tradesman also says he has "peace of mind" knowing his job most likely won't be replaced by AI in the future. "I feel like an adult and I am treated like one too. What I am doing now has such a huge level of responsibility, and in fact, actually matters. If you fail a university exam, who does it affect, only yourself really, but if I don't fit a new roof and it blows away in a storm, I've misplaced a family."
Hugo's new venture, Toolkit Conduct, supports young people in apprenticeships, helping them get the most out of their roles. He is currently offering annual workshops to schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, as well as exploring other revenue streams through media and sponsors. Most of the work he has done so far with young people has been voluntary, to build his reputation.
He said: "I'm having some big meetings soon with some important people to help me get on that track."
