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Success Stories
Case Study
Farzana Shumi
Trainee Solicitor –Apprentice
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO APPLY TO THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME?
After completing my Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Law and National Diploma in Business Law, I knew that I would prefer a vocational course whereby I could gain a qualification whilst applying my knowledge into practise.
I realised I would enjoy this whilst completing coursework and exams whereby I was required to apply my legal knowledge.
I'am a practical learner and figured that an Apprenticeship would enable me to do this.
DID YOU CONSIDER GOING TO UNIVERSITY AND IF SO, WHAT MADE YOU OPT FOR THE APPRENTICESHIP ROUTE INSTEAD?
Whilst in college, I attended many career fairs and researched further into Apprenticeships and found that there were not many training providers who offered legal based apprenticeships.
My ultimate goal was to become a Solicitor and for this, I required a degree, which no one offered. I therefore applied for University and was offered a place by the University of Law.
I studied a full time LLB course and very soon realised that University wasn’t the route for me. I eventually left University prior to sitting my first-year exams and came across the degree apprenticeships that BPP University of fered. I took my chance and submitted my application for BCLP.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS CONSIDERING APPLYING FOR THE PROGRAMME?
My advice to students considering applying to the programme would be that it is a fantastic programme that I highly recommend.
However, you need to be prepared to balance work with study and therefore, needs commitment.
HAVE YOU FOUND IT DAUNTING BEING ON A SIX – SEVEN YEAR PROGRAMME?
I started off on the Paralegal Apprenticeship programme which is a two year course.
I feel like this helped me to reach a milestone before I enrolled onto the Solicitor Apprenticeship which is a further 5 years. Although it is daunting knowing it is a very long time, it helps to think about the end achievement.
SEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Case Study:
Bradley Fisher
Trainee Solicitor – Apprentice
I chose to apply to the apprenticeship programme because it looked to me to be an interesting and unique opportunity to get into the legal profession. To be able to work for one of the biggest firms in the country and also rub shoulders with established legal professionals on a daily basis seemed to be a great opportunity to learn how things should be done. Also, the fact that the firm offered a detailed plan for my future progression made me very keen to apply.
DID YOU CONSIDER GOING TO UNIVERSITY AND IF SO WHAT MADE YOU OPT FOR THE APPRENTICESHIP ROUTE INSTEAD?
I did consider going to university yes. I had looked into going to university quite considerably and I knew I wanted to study law. I had attended several open days at various universities and completed the usual application process through UCAS. I had accepted a firm offer to attend Leicester University and an insurance offer for Manchester Metropolitan University.
However, after doing some more research into the apprenticeship route, and attending the assessment days at BCLP and other firms offering apprenticeships, I decided that university wasn’t for me and that the apprenticeship on offer was much better suited to me.
The apprenticeship means I can obtain six/seven years practical experience at a leading global law firm, alongside studying for my degree, whilst earning a competitive wage and not having to pay any university fees.
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME SO FAR, IS IT WHAT YOU EXPECTED?
I have found the apprenticeship programme thoroughly engaging and rewarding. I have learnt so much in my first two years on the programme and been able to reinforce my learning through practical application at BCLP.
It has met my expectations in the fact I knew I’d have to work really hard and be very committed, but also exceeded my expectations in terms of the work I have been exposed to and the clients I have worked for.
WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT THE PROGRAMME?
I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to do work for some of the biggest global companies and get to know loads of new people in the workplace.
I have enjoyed working in an office environment and gaining exposure to various different workflows. Furthermore, I have also enjoyed the study side of the apprenticeship as it has actually helped my understanding in my day to day job.
I would always advise students to take a detailed look into the apprenticeship programme.
The opportunities it can offer at such a young age are excellent and the potential to succeed through being on the programme is massive.
Make sure you do lots of research around the firm you are applying for and also make sure that law is something you are definitely interested in.
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