Solicitor Apprentice Review
at TUI UK & Ireland
Degree Apprenticeship
Luton, Bedfordshire
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.4/5
-
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
Whilst working at TUI, we change teams within the wider Legal department every six months. As a result, there is no "standard" day-to-day as it is highly individual team dependent. However, as an overview, typically I will start my day by checking my emails, reply to any quick wins and then settle into working on any instructions I currently have ongoing. This can vary from producing advice notes for the business, reviewing and drafting contracts or Agreements or joining meetings on legislative updates etc.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Make no mistake, the best way to describe this course is, you get out of it what you put in. It is NOT easy. It takes a lot of drive and determination to finish a full day of work to then go back home and do a few hours of university in the evening and weekends. It can feel overwhelming at times.
But somewhere in amongst all of that is an incredible sense of achievement when you manage to complete work on time and get good results. It is about finding those small/ quick wins to keep you motivated.
If you work well under pressure and you thrive in an intense environment, this should be a consideration for you.
But somewhere in amongst all of that is an incredible sense of achievement when you manage to complete work on time and get good results. It is about finding those small/ quick wins to keep you motivated.
If you work well under pressure and you thrive in an intense environment, this should be a consideration for you.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
throughout the apprenticeship, I am constantly learning new and developing existing skills. In order to qualify at the end of the 6.5 year programme, you have to be able, amongst other things, to demonstrate you have met a series of Apprentice Standards which are related to becoming a fully qualified solicitor. The required skills include, client interview, negotiating, drafting, ethical and moral consideration, upholding SRA standards etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
From a day-to-day aspect, the business is highly organised and you are embedded into each team you rotate into. You are just another colleague rather than "the apprentice" which I know other programmes are not so fortunate with.
We have had clear guidance on what to expect from day one and continue to have support from the early talent team on ensuring we are making progress.
The only part that has ever really let the side down is the University. If you want quick answers or help, forget it. If you want clear and concise instruction, look elsewhere.
We have had clear guidance on what to expect from day one and continue to have support from the early talent team on ensuring we are making progress.
The only part that has ever really let the side down is the University. If you want quick answers or help, forget it. If you want clear and concise instruction, look elsewhere.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
As previously said, TUI has an Early Talent Team within the business who are responsible for looking after and developing talent within the business. Whilst we don't get as much contact with them as we did at the start, their remit has somewhat shifted to a designated member of the legal team who we affectionately refer to as the "apprentice Mum", read into that as you will, but know that if we ever have any issues, they are swiftly rectified.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
This is the only part that lets the side down.
This course is very content heavy and there is very little downtime throughout the year. It would be beneficial if on our allocated study day (which you are obligated to have each week, ours is on a Friday), we were required to attend the university in person so that you are able to ask questions and receive personal feedback instantly rather than sending an email and hoping just to get a response, let alone one of any substance.
It is clear that the training provider is more about quantity than quality. Three years into the four year degree, things have only marginally improved.
This course is very content heavy and there is very little downtime throughout the year. It would be beneficial if on our allocated study day (which you are obligated to have each week, ours is on a Friday), we were required to attend the university in person so that you are able to ask questions and receive personal feedback instantly rather than sending an email and hoping just to get a response, let alone one of any substance.
It is clear that the training provider is more about quantity than quality. Three years into the four year degree, things have only marginally improved.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The biggest benefit to studying alongside working is the fact that you potentially (workplace dependent) have the opportunity to immediately put the theory into practise. This helps enormously with content retention as well as enhancing your own understanding of complex legal principles.
The fact that you are also surrounded by a wealth of legal knowledge and experience means there is always someone you can ask if there is a particular area of your studies that you are finding difficult and need someone to explain it in a no-nonsense fashion.
The fact that you are also surrounded by a wealth of legal knowledge and experience means there is always someone you can ask if there is a particular area of your studies that you are finding difficult and need someone to explain it in a no-nonsense fashion.
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
TUI has an internal internet system which contains many "societies" that you can become an active member of. Some of them include, a running club, a book club, various faith groups, groups to discuss potential next holiday destinations with hints and tips whilst abroad etc.
If there isn't one that is of interest, you are welcome to start one to suit.
If there isn't one that is of interest, you are welcome to start one to suit.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend TUI UK & Ireland to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a fantastic place to work and the fact that it consistently ranks amongst the top 100 employers in the UK is a testament to its commitment to its employees. Plus, the travel opportunities and holiday discounts come in handy if you like to travel the world or simply go on holiday.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to TUI UK & Ireland?
Just be yourself!
TUI prides itself on its core principles:
- Trusted
- Unique
- Inspiring
If you want to work for a company that allows you to come as you are, without having to hide anything or act in a certain way, this is the place for you.
Plus, in the summer, you can wear shorts, which is nice.
TUI prides itself on its core principles:
- Trusted
- Unique
- Inspiring
If you want to work for a company that allows you to come as you are, without having to hide anything or act in a certain way, this is the place for you.
Plus, in the summer, you can wear shorts, which is nice.
