We are delighted to announce that Langley Wellington’s first staff members have successfully completed their apprenticeships with the firm and received their qualifications under the scheme.
Langley Wellington signed up to the government-led nationwide apprenticeships scheme in 2022 after reaching out to a local certified training provider to find out how we could get involved.
An increasingly popular study option, apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on experience while studying towards an industry recognised qualification and earning a salary. There are over 800 types of apprenticeships available across 15 sectors, ranging from accounting, business, IT, media and law, to construction, engineering and transport.
Training can last from 12 months to five years, depending on the level, and involves a mix of direct tutoring and mentoring to on-the-job learning. Apprentices are expected to produce written work to demonstrate their learning and application of relevant tasks during the course of the apprenticeship.
Anyone over the age of 16 can join an apprenticeship.
Gabby Moston-Smith, Operations Manager at Langley Wellington, said: “We were keen to ‘tear up the rulebook’ and help create a new generation of staff who might otherwise not know how to get involved in taking their first steps in their legal career.
“Anyone can do an apprenticeship, regardless of age and experience. If you’ve reached a point in your career and want to start again on a different path, you can.
“We have had real success with the process and seeing someone develop so much over a relatively short period of time is fantastic. It can be the foundation to so many other opportunities,” she continued.
One of Langley Wellington’s apprentices has passed the Level 2 Customer Services Practitioner course, and the other has received the Level 3 Business Administrator qualification. The firm hopes to take on more apprentices in the near future.
Here, we meet Josie, one of Langley Wellington’s newly qualified apprentices, who gives more insight into the scheme and advises anyone thinking of undertaking an apprenticeship to “go for it”!
What does the apprenticeship scheme consist of?
The Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship consists of nine months tutoring on different business aspects and theories with essay-based assignments, followed by four months of skills development. This focuses on more practical aspects, such as project management, research and reports, and Personal Development Plans (PDPs).
It really allows you the opportunity to show the knowledge you have learnt throughout the whole scheme and develop vital business skills and knowledge. The scheme focuses on business success and how they should act. It is particularly insightful when working for a company such as a law firm that has so many regulatory bodies to follow.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship as it is the perfect opportunity to gain experience in the world of work whilst also gaining a qualification – it acts like a steppingstone from full-time education to employment.
An apprenticeship opens various doors as I have been able to work in law but learn about business, all while getting paid!
Why did you choose Langley Wellington?
It was the right job at the right time. The apprenticeship provided the opportunity to explore law and get first-hand experience in an area I found interesting.
I also felt incredibly supported by both the apprenticeship provider and Langley Wellington and as a result was able to achieve my full potential.
Has the scheme convinced you to pursue a career within a law firm?
As my apprenticeship was in Business Administration, it has not directly convinced me to pursue a career in law, however Langley Wellington have been supportive in exploring all directions and areas.
Being an apprentice has given me the opportunity to learn as much as I can, and the company motivated me to do so as well.
What area of law do you find most interesting?
Throughout the scheme, I was able to touch base on the different departments within Langley Wellington.
However, I was lucky enough to be placed in the conveyancing department for day-to-day work, which I found particularly interesting as I will buy my own house one day and so understanding the process will be vital!
What part of your apprenticeship did you enjoy the most?
I enjoyed the Project element; it was a huge switch up from essays and a big challenge for me. I enjoyed researching and creating all relevant documents to help push the project forward and it is rewarding to see it completed.
What is involved in the Project element of the scheme?
The project surrounded bettering the firm and I chose to help with the implementation of Langley Wellington’s new case management system.
I had full control over planning and organising my part of the project, which included research into whywe were getting a new system and then supporting staff through the change of systems once it went live.
I enjoyed the freedom that came with working with other staff members across the firm and ensuring everything was on track. It was a good switch up from writing essays and different to the jobs I carry out within conveyancing on a day-to-day basis.
What did you find most challenging about the scheme?
There were moments when juggling my workload and apprenticeship work became tricky, especially towards the end of the scheme.
However, the company and my tutor were supportive and understanding if I said I did not have enough time or that work must take priority.
Even though it was challenging learning how to time manage and make sure I understood what took priority, I would say it is now a confident skill of mine.
What are your ambitions for the future?
As of right now, I am looking to learn as much as possible and find my feet within the working world. My apprenticeship has helped me to understand that any path is available with the right research.
What new skills did you learn from the apprenticeships scheme?
My apprenticeship and the support I received throughout the process has helped shape my professional and personal persona.
I have been able to develop my skills in communication and have found the working environment extremely different to that of secondary school/sixth-form life but have very much enjoyed the transition.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to someone else and, if so, why?
I would recommend an apprenticeship as it supports with both professional and personal development. I have been able to develop skills I already had and also learn new skills as well. The apprenticeship scheme has helped me find my feet in the workplace and allowed my confidence to grow both personally and professionally.
What advice would you give someone thinking of applying for an apprenticeship?
Just go for it! There are so many skills that you will learn and develop from completing an apprenticeship that are transferable, but it also provides firsthand experience of working in your chosen sector.
It is immediately assumed that to get into law, you must have a degree or have gone to university. However, apprenticeships are the perfect step into working whilst also gaining a qualification.
Find out more about apprenticeships here.
Solicitors Cheltenham
Langley Wellington is a forward-thinking law firm with offices in Cheltenham, Gloucester, that acts for clients nationwide.
Whatever your legal requirements, we are here to help.
We take time to get to know you and understand your objectives before tailoring our advice to your needs. We know that clients want, deserve and must get specialist, high-quality legal advice.
At Langley Wellington we deliver this by having specialist legal departments with highly trained lawyers and support staff using the best technology that money can buy.
We provide legal advice for both individuals and businesses.
Our legal service for individuals includes advice on:
- Family Law.
- Probate and Estate Administration.
- Residential Conveyancing.
- Dispute Resolution.
- Wills.
- Lasting Powers of Attorney.
We also advise businesses on legal issues that may affect their organisations, including advice on:
- Commercial contracts.
- Company law.
- Corporate governance.
- Commercial disputes.
- Business acquisitions.
To find out more about how we can help you, call us today on 01452 521 286 or click here to make an online enquiry.
This blog is not intended to be taken as advice or acted upon. If you are seeking legal advice, please get in touch with our team of solicitors.
