I live in the UK, I studied it through school and then between ages 16-18 in what we call A level exams. Following this, I enrolled into an apprenticeship for software development which essentially is a job where you study at university too while getting paid and free qualifications. I'm 21 now and have been in my job for almost 3 years, I graduated after just under 2. Hope that helps :) feel free to pm me if you have any questions