The 2018 National Apprenticeship Week celebrates how apprenticeships benefit individuals, employers, local communities and the wider economy. As a Firm we are committed to forging alternative pathways into law, and we are one of the leading firms developing the scope of apprenticeships.

Since launching our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme in conjunction with BPP University of Law, last September, we have directly seen the benefits employing apprentices can bring.

Our six-year initiative, not only offers ambitious individuals an alternative route to becoming fully qualified solicitors, whilst working as part of our innovative Transaction Services Team (TST), but allows them blend traditional legal skills with news skills like coding and managing technology solutions including AI. This not only enables the firm to drive greater efficiencies for our clients, but helps train and develop the lawyers of the future.

Now in its 11th year, National Apprenticeship Week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships to encourage more people to choose apprenticeships as a fast-track to a great career and business growth. The theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2018 is Apprenticeships Work to showcase how apprenticeships work for individuals, employers, local communities and the wider economy. Here's what some of our apprentices have to say about apprenticeships:

Miriam Ahmed, Solicitor Apprentice, Addleshaw Goddard; “I have really enjoyed working and studying simultaneously. My firm has been very supportive with balancing my workload to accommodate my studies. I have been allocated a mentor and a line manager, which is very helpful. The apprenticeship is a great way to qualify as a solicitor. If I had not had this opportunity, I don't think I would have ever pursued a career in law.”

Annie Armstrong, Solicitor Apprentice, Addleshaw Goddard: "My apprenticeship at AG has helped me be more confident and improve my communication skills. The nature of the job means there are often times when you are faced with tight deadlines and this has definitely improved my ability to work under pressure. My advice to someone starting their apprenticeship programme would be to ask as many questions and put yourself forward for as much as you can – the more you do, the more you will learn."

Delia Doman, Solicitor Apprentice, Addleshaw Goddard: "The apprenticeship has given me a foot-in-the-door into a very competitive industry. I was passionate about pursuing a career in law, and would have ordinarily chosen the traditional university route to achieve my goals, but the benefits offered by the apprenticeship, of continuing my education whilst gaining practical knowledge on a day-to-day basis, made it the perfect avenue for me. I have already noticed my problem-solving and communication skills develop substantially, and I really enjoy the variety of the work I do."

Jenna Clark, Solicitor Apprentice, Addleshaw Goddard: "I was interested in progressing a career in law for a long time before I had the chance to apply, and when the time came to decide between university or an apprenticeship, I knew the latter was the option for me. I am a very hands-on learner, and I knew I would work better in an environment where I could put into practice what I was learning. One of my work highlights so far has been attending training to learn about Scottish property law, so that I am able to get involved with the property work coming from Scotland since the Firm's merger in 2017."

One of the key drivers in recruiting Solicitor Apprentices was to provide a more diverse talent pool for the Firm. Mike Potter, Head of TST, said: “The legal profession is changing, as is the way we access information, the way we collaborate and the way we retain and recruit top talent. As a firm, we are committed to redesigning the way legal work is done, and passionate about providing a new and innovative approaches to attracting and developing great people.

We see apprenticeships as an invaluable opportunity for harnessing talent. Our solicitor programme is standout in giving apprentices immediate experience of the workplace, and is an excellent alternative to the traditional university route to qualification. It will shape the future of careers in the legal sector.”