'I chose carpentry over university - and I haven't looked back' says Portsmouth tradesman

A young man ditched university plans to become a carpenter - and now he is earning up to £50,000 with no student debt.

Hugo Helms, 21, had thought about going to university to study psychology alongside his mates 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, said it was the 'best decision' he has ever made not to 'waste' three years of his life studying a degree.

The tradesman says he is now earning up to £50,000 a year, unlike his friends who are saddled with £40,000 of debt and struggling to find graduate jobs.

Hugo also says he wouldn't have any of the life skills, be treating himself to designer suits, splurging on a £4,000 pick-up truck, 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 said: "I could have gone to uni 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. 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 has told how he excelled at school, receiving top grades and being in the top sets in his classes.

The carpenter said that university felt like the natural next step in his life - 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, but 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 hadn't 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 per cent 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 uni 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 saving to buy his first house and says it wouldn't be possible without his trade job.

He also runs a service - Toolkit Conduct - where he supports young people in apprenticeships, helping them get the most out of their roles. This includes performing speeches and workshops at schools and colleges across the country.