DWF launches new legal apprenticeship scheme with BPP
updated on 13 May 2016
UK top 20 firm DWF has launched a new legal apprenticeship scheme in partnership with BPP University Law School.
The firm has created 18 new apprenticeship positions across its UK offices, all of which are set to commence in 2016. Apprentices will work toward a level three trailblazer apprenticeship qualification, while also studying for BPP University’s Certificate of Higher Education (Legal Services), which is the equivalent of the first year of a law degree and will allow the candidates to progress straight onto the second year of a solicitor apprenticeship.
Catherine Williams, chief people officer at DWF, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way for people who may not have chosen to go to university to pursue a career in law, giving young students from a range of backgrounds the opportunity to break into this competitive sector. DWF has been taking on apprentices, with a range of different skills and experiences, into the business since 2012, and the launch of the new trailblazer paralegal apprenticeship will build on this previous success, as well as widening the range of opportunities on offer to apprentices over the coming years.
Tricia Chatterton, director of legal apprenticeship programmes at BPP University Law School, added: “The paralegal apprenticeship is a gateway for firms that are looking to develop their apprenticeship offering, giving them access to young people who may have previously been excluded from a career in law. We have a long-standing relationship with DWF, having worked as its exclusive graduate training provider for nearly two years. The new paralegal apprenticeship will complement DWF’s current training scheme, and apprentices will receive the same high quality training needed to thrive at the firm. With BPP University’s experience of training and educating lawyers, and working with businesses across a range of sectors, we can create an apprenticeship programme that is suited to a firm’s specific requirements, ensuring that their future workforce has the vital skills and academic knowledge needed to succeed.”
