Horwich Farrelly hires 18 new apprentices; Pitmans launches apprenticeship programme

Horwich Farrelly has recruited 18 new apprentices – nearly double the amount it took on last year. The firm’s two-year apprenticeship scheme was one of the first to launch in the United Kingdom.

Fifteen of the new apprentices will be based in the firm’s Manchester office and will study at Manchester Metropolitan University. Two apprentices in Liverpool and one in London will all be studying with Damar Training. All 18 will benefit from combining paid work and on-the-job experience with structured tuition that works towards a recognised qualification.

Rob Barrett, managing partner of Horwich Farrelly, said: “This year both the calibre and volume of applicants has been remarkable, with many young people actively seeking out our stand at careers fairs around the country. The most interesting observation has been a sea change in the attitudes of the parents we meet, who are now far more open to apprenticeships being a valid alternative to university. We put this down to the significant investment by the government and training providers in emphasising the benefits of work-based schemes, as well as the work we ourselves have done to promote apprenticeships, such as presenting in local schools and supporting events.”

In other apprenticeship news, Pitmans LLP has launched a legal apprenticeship programme, hiring three for the firm’s Reading office to start in September 2016. The apprentices will receive tuition from Damar Training, as they work towards the nationally recognised Level 3 Diploma in Legal Administration.

Danny Smith, HR director at Pitmans, said: “We often find that young, bright people are deterred from the profession due to the cost of university fees. This scheme will give aspiring lawyers a different route into the legal sector and the opportunity to develop skills, gain qualifications and start a legal career while earning a salary.”