Eversheds blazes a trail for legal trainees
LAW firm Eversheds has launched a new Trailblazer level seven solicitor apprenticeship scheme in conjunction with BPP University Law School.
The scheme builds on the firm’s existing apprenticeship programme (Eversheds Aspire) launched in 2015, which currently includes 15 apprentices.
The Trailblazer apprenticeship programme enables qualification as a solicitor following a six-year programme of work-based learning, followed by a Solicitors Regulatory Authority assessment. BPP University will also have the ability to award an LLB as part of the programme.
Eversheds said the scheme supported its efforts to attract, retain and develop new talent, providing an alternative and accessible route into law, for those not taking the traditional path of university.
Bryan Hughes, chief executive, Eversheds said: “I am very pleased to announce this latest evolution in our apprenticeships programme. We are committed to unlocking and developing talent at all levels at Eversheds and I look forward to welcoming more apprentices into our team as a result of this new scheme.”
Trailblazer level seven gives candidates the benefit of qualifying as a solicitor while earning a salary, rather than paying the tuition fees required for full-time study.
Tricia Chatterton, director of legal apprenticeships at BPP University, said: “BPP and Eversheds have a long track record of developing schemes that help ensure that the brightest future lawyers get the support needed to thrive, regardless of their background. Future lawyers’ demands are changing and more young people are now recognising the value of the skills they can gain through work-based experience. The new tailored apprenticeship addresses this change, providing young people with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed, and allowing them to succeed within a leading international law firm.”
The Trailblazer level seven solicitor apprenticeship is available to those with a minimum of five GCSE grades A-C (including Maths and English) who are expecting good A-level results, equivalent to at least 300 UCAS points, excluding General Studies.
The scheme is currently only offered by education providers in England and applications are open now until April 8, 2016 for the relevant Eversheds offices – including Birmingham – to start in September 2016.
