Trainee Solicitor Apprentice Review
at BCLP
Degree Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Manchester
Review Submitted: January 2023
Overall Rating
3.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
2.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I am currently on the Real Estate Finance Team. My day-to-day role involves assisting associates and partners with large deals where we're either acting for a borrower or a lender. This involves drafting certain finance documents, managing the CPs throughout the transaction and assisting with completion at the end of the deal.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my programme and think it was a good career choice for me but that is not to say that it is without it's challenges. It is very hard to sometimes manage your time between work and study but the career progression and opportunities you receive are worth it.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I am constantly developing my skills of communication, this involves written communication and spoken communication. In addition, working with other people and how to manage their expectations especially if they may be difficult to work with or have a different style of working to you (which you have to adapt depending on who you're working with).
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
There is a clear plan for where each apprentice will be going for usually 2 years in advance so it is very well structured and each apprentice knows what their plan is but sometimes this changes due to business needs, maternity leave or other situations that may arise which is understandable.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is always support available to you when you need it whatever area of support you need. For example, there are always available mental health first aiders (which the firm provide the training for), if you're struggling with your work your supervisor is always available and other people you can go to.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
We don't receive much support from the training provider. They are not always clear on timing or structure of the course which can cause a bit of stress. Another issue is that often the tutors take off time between the end of teaching and the exams so you don't have anyone to go to if you have a question before the exam.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
I wouldn't necessarily say that it helps me perform better in my role. Most of our modules do not relate to the work we do and so has little to no effect on our day-to-day role. I also think that the skills we pick up in the work place are far more valuable than those taught by the training provider as most of the tutors haven't worked in practice for many years.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There always seems to be something going on at BCLP however, this is mostly in the London office. The Manchester office doesn't necessarily have much to get involved in unless we organise it ourselves e.g. apprentice drinks. There is a sports team but this is limited to football.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BCLP to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Overall it is a pleasant firm to work for and the environment is great for example all the colleagues I have worked with are all lovely and will not hesitate to answer any questions you may have. The location of the offices are also great in that they are in a central location and easy to get to.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BCLP?
I would say that always be honest. Whatever questions you are asked in an interview always be honest with your answers even if you don't know the answer. Don't be afraid to sell yourself and big yourself up and talk about any and all experiences you may have had to make you stand out.
