This month sees the UK recognise National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place between 10 and 16 February, , and is an opportunity to celebrate the impact apprenticeships can make to individuals and businesses.

At the firm, we are proudly committed to enabling apprenticeship opportunities, having spearheaded the launch of the Legal Apprenticeship Pledge over two years ago, as well as having celebrated the fourth anniversary of the start of our own apprenticeship programme last year. 

One of the key commitments from us and the other signatories of the pledge was to ensure that, post qualification, those that have completed their legal training through an alternative route, such as the apprenticeship route, will be treated in an equivalent manner to those who have trained through a traditional training contract as they progress through their careers. 

The vital role of networks

Networking and networking events are crucial in ensuring and maintaining an equitable playing field. At the outset of their journey, apprentices are less likely to have had much of an opportunity to develop an industry support network when compared to peers from more traditional routes – access to such networks being something which can be overlooked but which we believe is vitally important. 

Levelling the playing field

More generally, the pledge also shines a light on the importance of apprenticeships within the sector, promoting the benefits for apprentices – such as being able to obtain professional qualifications and key industry experience simultaneously all without the burden of costly university fees – and the benefits for law firms of nurturing talent from a very early stage and promoting social economic diversity within the sector. By facilitating the continued development of the programme, the pledge continues to ensure that a career in law is accessible to all.

If you're interested in an apprenticeship, you can find out more about the apprenticeships we offer as a firm here.