Airida Zitkeviciute from Freeths Solicitors gave students a great insight into the law apprenticeship route to mark National Apprenticeship Week. Freeths, an award winning law firm, offer a number of Solicitor Apprenticeships every year at their thirteen UK offices. They specialise in every area of law except for criminal and, as part of the apprenticeship, students rotate around four different departments, allowing them to find out which suits them.
Airida stressed that degrees from the apprenticeship route, or from full time university are valued equally but she highlighted the time that graduates can spend trying to secure their work placement after university, whereas the apprentices move straight on to their SQE professional exams.
The Solicitor Apprenticeship takes six years with 80% paid work experience and 20% study. Students are well supported as they progress, with mentors in the workplace. With no university debt or fees and a starting salary of £22,000, rising to £54,000-£60,000 on qualification, the Apprenticeship route is an amazing option to consider!
