Solicitor Apprentice Review
at The Co-op
Degree Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Bristol
Review Submitted: March 2024
Overall Rating
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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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:
5/5
To this end, I have been working alongside the wider legal administration department, rotating between different teams while gaining insight into their varied roles and operations. I currently work alongside Customer Support, which involves taking impromptu calls from clients and answering any queries or concerns they may have. This also involves corresponding verbally with third-party companies regarding individual cases.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Since beginning my apprenticeship programme, I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect and have not looked back since. I can truthfully say I do not think there has been a singe day where I have not learnt something new, whether this be relating to the nature of the work or the internal processes in my company. I am fortunate to be working alongside a very supportive team. My colleagues are very knowledgeable in the work processes and they are more than happy provide support or guidance when needed.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Within the first six months since beginning my apprenticeship, the hard and soft skills I have developed have been wide-ranging. In particular, I have developed my technical skills relating to using digital software. In addition, my verbal and written communication skills have enhanced through interacting with a range of parties. My role requires a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, allowing me to work towards developing these skills on-the-job.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
As part of the programme, my on-the-job training takes place four days a week, with Wednesday being dedicated towards my off-the-job learning. My academic learning takes place virtually on this day, and I complete regular exams which count towards my professional qualification and which prepare me for the final end-point assessment. For the first six months of my apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support received from my employer has been instrumental in allowing for a positive apprenticeship experience. This includes regular one-to-one meetings with my team leader to discuss my progress and to raise any queries I may have. These also serve as an opportunity for me to suggest any further training I may require.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
As part of the programme, I have been allocated a Skills Coach. Part of their role involves supporting my academic performance by way of monitoring my progress and providing guidance on accessing useful supporting materials where needed. My provider regularly prepares new learning materials to encourage effective study and exam success for its students. This is delivered through online webinar sessions and via written content prepared by a specialist team.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It is interesting to observe how my taught academic content relates to my the work involved in my role. By developing a solid understanding of key concepts through my learning, this furthers my knowledge of their applicability in the work processes.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
My employer boasts a range of opportunities for its employees to participate in. This includes support groups and networks which are open to everyone within the organisation, to opportunities for its employees to provide free pro bono legal advice and support to members of the public.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend The Co-op to a friend?
Yes
Why?
If you aspire a career in the law and are motivated to pursuing this end goal, Co-op Legal Services support your ambition and want to see you succeed in the profession. By enrolling on this programme, you will be equipped with necessary tools to enable you to succeed from a company which truly values your professional and personal growth.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The Co-op?
Demonstrate your passion and commitment for a legal career throughout the application process, as this is what is being assessed. I would also highly recommend gaining as much work-related experience as possible, in-person or online, before you apply for the role (this does not need to be law-related, any experience is fine!). Remember to relate your current skill set to those listed in the job description, and discuss why Co-op Legal Services would be the ideal place for you to begin your legal career. Lastly, and most importantly, seek to gain as much knowledge about this particular route into the profession, as well as the firm as a whole, to allow you to make a fully informed choice before choosing to apply.
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