Solicitor Apprentice Review
at Newcastle Building Society
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Wallsend
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
5/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
Typically, my role involves dealing with matters relating to our members - data protection, corporate governance, property, mortgages and savings. Similarly, my role involves marking up and reviewing commercial contracts. Sometimes, I lead client meetings and take on instructions. I regularly provide legal advice to clients, which may be verbal or written.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I think it is a great opportunity to gain six years of legal experience in practice alongside doing my studies at University where I will gain a degree. It is really beneficial applying my studies into practice. I have great support from my team and the Early Talent Cohort is a great network of young people who are at similar stages in their career.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt many new skills, such as: communicating with colleagues and clients in writing and verbally, providing legal advice, drafting documents, time management, prioritising tasks and legal research. I have developed my confidence and public speaking as I am not scared to ask questions if I am unsure on a task and I have attended careers fairs and an assembly.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Every Wednesday I have my study day which is every other week on campus and every other week independent study from home. I like having the consistency and structure of having this set day. My team always has work available for me and I always receive positive feedback and areas for improvement.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My manager is extremely supportive towards both my work and my studies at University. There has been occasions where I have faced challenges with my studies and my manager has been really understanding of this. To provide me with extra support, the team have an extra office day. The Early Talent team schedule monthly check ins which is further support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My two semesters at Northumbria University has been enjoyable, most of my lecturers have been great and I have regular progress reviews with my work place coach. However, I have faced challenges regarding keeping up with a heavy workload. For one module particularly, it has been disorganised where preparation content was not posted on time however the University did resolve these issues.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification I am working towards has been extremely beneficial as I have learnt about contract law which is relevant for my role as I am able to understand the theory behind the work I complete for the contracts team. I have also learnt skills such as researching, which involves the process of finding reliable sources and essay writing which helps when I need to write written documents at work.
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
I have attended a Ward Hadaway Beauty Event at John Lewis which was a great opportunity to network. We have two volunteering days to use at a place of our choice, I have supported Hebburn Helps food bank. Apart of Early Talent, we have been bowling and on an Army Day.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Newcastle Building Society to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great organisation to work for as all of my colleagues are so supportive and encouraging towards my development. It is nice to have the variety and flexibility to hybrid work. There are many perks such as an onsite gym, canteen, car park and modern office space.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Newcastle Building Society?
I strongly recommend including interests/hobbies/extracurricular activities to present that you are a well rounded person. You may want to link these skills/qualities to the values of the company. This gives us a flavour of your personality.
