'Forget A-Levels, I am making £50K after dropping out of school thanks to best decision ever'

'Forget A-Levels, I am making £50K after dropping out of school thanks to best decision ever' Hugo Helms says he achieved excellent marks at school, but felt it was a 'waste of time' A 21-year-old school drop out ditched university for an apprenticeship to earn up to £50,000 - and is aiming to be on £100,000 within five years. Hugo Helms had thought about following the traditional study route of A-Levels and then university from a young age. But after a sudden change of heart when he was 15-years-old, his parents took him out of secondary school and into the trades, where he now thrives as a fully qualified carpenter. Hugo from Portsmouth, Hampshire, said it was the "best decision" he has ever made not to "waste" three years of his life studying a degree. The tradesman is now earning up to £50,000 a year, unlike others his age who are riddled with £40,000 of debt and struggling to find graduate jobs. He also runs another business, Toolkit Conduct, where he offers help and advice to young people aspiring to be a tradesperson. Hugo started the business and began writing the course around 18 months ago after finishing his own apprenticeship and feeling that there was a lack of support within the industry. Hugo says he is yet to make a profit but has significant interest from some big players in the industry. And the chippy has said he plans to be earning up to £100,000 in the next five years. He said: "I'm proof you don't need A-Levels or a university degree to be earning yourself a good living. "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. "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. 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." Hugo said he excelled at school, 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 according to Hugo, when studying drama in Year 9, 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. 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 then left school and completed his education at home. He sat his two GCSE exams in Maths and English, which is what he needed to do an apprenticeship - he passed both with Grade 5s (B). The tradesman's dad, Nathan, 57, is a successful business owner selling taps as well as a spray paint finishing company, and urged him to take on the trades opportunity. He was then homeschooled by his mum, Lisa, 55, a part-time sales assistant for the next year before starting his carpentry and joinery apprenticeship in 2021. But he said just because he had left school the idea of university still had not left his mind. Hugo said: "All my mates were going to Portsmouth University and it was attractive. I could have had a great laugh for three years doing a psychology or sociology course. "By this point, I still wasn't 100% sure what I wanted to do, or if I wanted to start working, so it was always in the back of my mind." And now almost five years on Hugo has completed his Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications and is running his own carpentry business. He is now building traditional Victorian cupboards, bespoke wardrobes, even fitting large spiral staircases, floating balconies, kitchens, and roofs. The tradesman also says he has "peace of mind" knowing that his job most likely won't be replaced by AI in the future. He said: "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. "There can be a lot of anxiety in the day-to-day job. 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. "I can't think of any pros of going looking back. Young people seem to be lacking purpose and seeing these lives of influencers in Dubai driving a Lamborghini, but that isn't the real world. "Social media is mainly smoke and mirrors. Being in a trade isn't a job, it is the backbone of humanity, and really needs to be seen more as a vocation, something you can be proud of rather than a last resort." Hugo is now currently saving to buy his first house and says it wouldn't be possible without his trade job. Hugo also says he wouldn't have any of the life skills, be treating himself to nice things, getting a pick-up truck he’s always wanted, and now saving to buy a house if he had studied a 'blow-off degree' like he planned to. He also reinvested thousands of pounds into work equipment and tools, including a Flexvolt chop saw, a track saw, and a Paslode nail gun which allows him to complete a variety of different jobs. He also runs a service - Toolkit Conduct - where he supports young people in apprenticeships, helping them get the most out of their roles. Hugo believes the potential for his business is there, he just needs to keep "working hard at it". He said: "The first 18 months have been the same as any other business of an overall loss despite the money I’ve made from it. "I am, however, very ambitious in the next five years of Toolkit. 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. This includes performing speeches and workshops at schools and colleges across the country. "I’m developing other projects in the same field that I hope will become successful both financially and in terms of helping young people and the industry. I’m having some big meetings soon with some important people to help me get on that track". He then hopes to using his carpentry skills to build a real estate portfolio in the future when he can "fund it all".