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Apprenticeship raises the bar for higher level study

05/02/2020

The University of Wolverhampton has raised the bar on studying at a higher level after taking on a new cohort of legal Apprentices.

The Chartered Legal Executive Higher Apprenticeship qualification offered by the University of Wolverhampton Law School has been developed in collaboration with sector-leading employers and professional body, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).

The practice based programme builds technical understanding and professional behaviours needed by future Chartered Legal Executives and Solicitors.

The five year part-time qualification covers criminal law, conveyancing, civil litigation, family law, contract law and legal research skills with options to specialise in the final year.

Fifteen new Apprentices have joined the University of Wolverhampton Law School from, Talbots, Wright & McMillan Bennett (WMB Law), Staffordshire County Council, Pebblepad and HCB Solicitors Ltd.

Sukhninder Panesar, Head of the Law School at the University, said:  “We are delighted to welcome a new cohort of Apprentices to the Business School.  The Apprenticeship is now in its third year and the course is proving to be popular.

“We’ve been teaching Law for over 60 years and, during that time, we have been committed to reflecting the changes to practices over the years.

“The new Higher Apprenticeship can be used by companies to upskill and retain their existing employees, to attract innovative talent into their organisation and develop a workforce that can meet their clients’ future needs.”

Abigail  Neuchterlien, 26 from Cannock and a Paralegal at WMB Law Ltd, said: “I’ve been working in Criminal Law for about 7 years,  but am not actually qualified. I wanted to be able to study at the same time as working so I decided to do an Apprenticeship. 

“It’s been funded through my employer and I think it will be massively beneficial to my career, helping me gain more knowledge and understanding when dealing with clients and eventually helping me qualify as a solicitor.”

Steven Meredith, Director at Wright & McMillan Bennett (WMB Law), said: “We are always looking for ways to upskill our staff and the Higher Apprenticeship route seems like an ideal way for our employees to learn about the latest practices and developments in the industry whilst at the same time offering them opportunities to continue their education.

“Without a doubt, this Higher Apprenticeship benefits the legal profession as a whole. To have staff professionally trained and backed by a government scheme with non-levy funding is such a benefit to this company.”

“The bottom line is that, at the end of the course, I’ll have five qualified legal executives that will undoubtedly bring huge benefits to this business.”

Paula Dalton, Team Leader (Property & Development) for Staffordshire Legal Services at Staffordshire County Council, who have three employees studying for the Higher Apprenticeship, said: “We have had a recognised route for trainee solicitors for some time but our ultimate goal has been to get our staff started on the CILEx route which is why this Apprenticeship is ideal.

“The University course will offer Apprentices both a wealth of knowledge and skills that will bring huge benefits to the council in the long term, whilst also providing opportunities for our employees to upskill with relevant qualifications which will enhance their career prospects.”

For more information about Higher and Degree Apprenticeships download a brochure, telephone 01902 321000 or email apprenticeshiphub@wlv.ac.uk

The University offers Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in Chartered Manager(CMDA), Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship, Chartered Surveyor, Building Control Surveying, Chartered Legal Executive, Manufacturing Engineer, Design & Development Engineer, Civil Engineering, Nursing Associate, Social Work, Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, Postgraduate Teaching, Digital and Technology Solutions Professional and Healthcare Science Practitioner (Respiratory & Sleep Physiology or Cardiac Physiology) and Laboratory Science Degree Apprenticeships.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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