Fletchers and Ashfords launch apprenticeship schemes

Two UK firms have announced they are getting behind the growing apprenticeship movement, recruiting apprentices to join their firms in September 2016.

Northwest PI specialist Fletchers Solicitors has launched an apprenticeship scheme, in association with The University of Law, to give aspiring trainees an alternative to the university route.

The six-year Trailblazer Solicitor Apprenticeship will give three apprentices the chance to work while completing a LLB, LLM and the LPC at The University of Law, as well as a period of recognised training. The firm already runs an apprenticeship programme, but this is the first scheme that will lead to qualification as a solicitor. Ed Fletcher, CEO at Fletchers, said: "I think it’s incredibly important that we encourage diversity in the law profession - not everyone can afford the burden of spending years at university and not earning at the same time, so an apprenticeship is a great alternative."

Meanwhile, Southwest firm Ashfords has launched its apprenticeship scheme, taking on 10 apprentices for its Exeter and Tiverton offices. Seven will follow the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Legal Administration and three will follow the Trailblazer Paralegal Apprenticeship. Training will be delivered by CILEx Law School.

Hilary Stevenson, learning & development manager at Ashfords, said: "We are really excited about the new legal apprentice scheme and the scope this will bring to continue our work on new paths to careers in law. Our apprentices will have the opportunity to develop as individuals and grow their careers in an environment which supports people to be the 'best that they can'."