There are currently six different apprenticeships available in the legal pathway, which is an ever-growing part of IfATE's legal, finance and accounting route. From paralegal to licensed conveyancer, there are options for whatever stage you are at of a legal career.
In the last 12 months alone, over 1,300 legal sector apprentices started their journey to a successful career. Hear from two of those apprentices and their experience so far at TLT LLP.
Chloe (left) and Fran (right) are solicitor apprentices at TLT LLP.
Chloe, solicitor apprentice at TLT LLP
Tell us a bit about yourself
I completed my law degree and joined TLT as a paralegal. As soon as I started working at the firm, I knew that this was the right career for me.
How have you found the apprenticeship so far?
The apprenticeship has been an amazing experience so far. Staying in the same team has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the area I work in and build strong relationships with clients, which has helped to improve the quality of my work.
The study element of the apprenticeship also helps to build a lot of skills that are incorporated into my everyday work, such as drafting and client communication skills.
What are your thoughts on the value and importance of apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are extremely valuable and provide an important alternative route to qualification. When I was considering applying for traditional training contracts, I knew that I would need to take time out of work and go back to studying. Knowing the apprenticeship would allow me to study alongside work without taking time away to complete the Solicitor Qualifying Exams was a deciding factor.
Aside from financial considerations, apprenticeships are a great way of getting hands on experience in the workplace. The skills and practical knowledge I have gained through working can be applied to my studies and help me to contextualise the things I learn.
Advice to anyone wanting to do an apprenticeship?
Be confident! I felt inexperienced compared to those around me, but it's important to remember that you're where you are for a reason, and you shouldn't downplay your strengths.
Fran, solicitor apprentice at TLT LLP
Tell us a bit about yourself
Once I left sixth form, I wanted to find a job which could potentially open some doors career wise. I applied and was successful in getting a job as an Office Assistant, which I did for a year before the apprenticeship.
How have you found the apprenticeship so far?
I have found the apprenticeship a step up from what I have been used to with education, the balance between work and study can be hard and requires a lot of organisation and time management. However, I have enjoyed applying the knowledge in the study element with the practical work on the job.
What are your thoughts on the value and importance of apprenticeships?
I strongly believe apprenticeships are a great alternative to getting a qualification without having to go to university. It's an excellent way to suit the learning style of someone who enjoys study, but also learns by gaining first-hand experience. Furthermore, I have developed as an individual, as the rotational aspect of an apprenticeship exposes you to so many people at different levels of their career, with different knowledge and specialties.
Advice to anyone wanting to do an apprenticeship?
Be prepared to work hard, it's not an easy option but a very rewarding one where you will gain real life skills and opportunities as well as meeting great people on the way!