I first started being able to study Law when I began my A-levels at college in September of 2011. I had always had an interest in the law, mainly from watching TV programmes and hearing interesting cases on the news, so when I began to actually study the law it became that bit more exciting. Right from my first law lesson, and my first visit with college to the crown courts I had instant confirmation that law was for me. I enjoyed how every case was unique and how the law is constantly changing to adapt to society.
During my time at college when I discovered the paralegal apprenticeships I knew this would be the best option for me. I have always enjoyed working and earning my own independent money. Working has allowed me to adapt skills that I wouldn’t have been able to learn until later on in life, some of which are essential skills for a successful career.
The apprenticeship stood out to me mainly due to the fact I would be able to work and learn at the same time. I would have the chance to see the law happening first hand, yet at the same time be gaining a qualification to get me one step closer to my goal of becoming a fully qualified solicitor. Working in a law firm also gives me the chance to learn from the experiences of solicitors all at different stages of their careers, from newly qualified to those who have been practising for over 30 years. For my personal journey there is no better way to learn than to take on my own responsibilities and learn from those around me.
During my first couple of months with my law firm, Pannone, I have had experiences and responsibilities I never imagined I would have at my age. I have been attending court with solicitors, attending client meetings and filling out important documents, these are just a few of the exciting opportunities I have already been given. For me attending court is the highlight of my apprenticeship so far, although it’s not quite like how we see it on Coronation Street, it certainly is very exciting and reminds me every time why I chose to start a career in law.
After my apprenticeship I hope to have gained skills and knowledge to further my career in law. I would like to one day qualify as a solicitor and my apprenticeship is the perfect stepping stone towards this goal. Not only does it provide me with the technical knowledge I need to become a solicitor but it prepares me for what life is like in a solicitors firm, and the different experiences I may come across in my future.
I would highly recommend apprenticeships to anyone who is eager to learn and earn at the same time. The apprenticeship allows you to gain qualifications and independence at the same time, similar to those people who attend university. There is no better way of learning than through experience and there is the added bonus of a salary.
This apprenticeship is part of a scheme to promote youth employment and education engagement run by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. UKCES has co-invested through the Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot and the Growth and Innovation Fund. You can read more about this project on the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Website.
6 comments
Comment by David Jones posted on
Very good article. It's refreshing to see a person pursuing their goals with this kind of professional focus and common sense, and very encouraging to see an employer giving them such a good opportunity. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by David Jones posted on
Very good article. It's refreshing to see a person pursuing their goals with this kind of professional focus and common sense, and very encouraging to see an employer giving them such a good opportunity. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Martin Owen posted on
Most professionals would benefit more from an apprenticeship than purely academic and theoretical study. It doesn't matter how hard you study at university it can never fully prepare you for life in the workplace. Good luck with your apprenticeship, I hope it helpsyou to achieve your ambition to become a solicitor!
Comment by Martin Owen posted on
Most professionals would benefit more from an apprenticeship than purely academic and theoretical study. It doesn't matter how hard you study at university it can never fully prepare you for life in the workplace. Good luck with your apprenticeship, I hope it helpsyou to achieve your ambition to become a solicitor!
Comment by Emily Hemlin posted on
Thank you very much! I am thoroughly enjoying my job and the opportunity is amazing for me!
Hopefully one day I will be a fully qualified solicitor.
Comment by Emily Hemlin posted on
Thank you very much! I am thoroughly enjoying my job and the opportunity is amazing for me!
Hopefully one day I will be a fully qualified solicitor.