I am not talking from a NATS employee position here as I am in my second year at Loughborough University.
I was in the same boat when my A Levels were wrapping up, do i apply or not? I didn't and I don't regret it at all because I still have plenty of opportunities to apply in the future.
There is no way I was mature enough when leaving school. Pratting about with mates in our 1.2l Fiestas and drinking way too much too often (which I still do now). I've met a great bunch of mates at University and I have learnt how to study when the temptation of sitting around is always looming.
I say go to Uni it's been the best time of my life so far and you won't be any worse off for doing it. The personal experience can only lead you to being a more well rounded person.
Cheers Dom