Graduate Solicitor Apprentice Review

Item: Graduate Solicitor Apprentice at The Co-op
Rating: 4.5
Author: Anonymous

at The Co-op

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Legal/Law

Manchester

Review Submitted: February 2026

Overall Rating

4.5 /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 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.2/5 - 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

I work across various practice areas of law for an in-house team. I get to practice what I study as part of my role whether that be reviewing leases and titles, reviewing contracts, advising the business on various matters, working on intellectual property issues, reviewing marketing for the business, working on disputes etc.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

Co-op is very supportive. They help me practice what I study which greatly helps my understanding. Co-op also provide plenty of opportunity and support to explore relevant opportunities for development. My study is well structured through BPP university which helps again with my understanding and ease. Whilst there is a lot to learn when preparing for the SQEs, my programme helps make it as easy as it can be!

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have developed plenty of new skills on my apprenticeship. I have gained a greater understanding of how to effectively review documents, better communicate with stakeholders, balance my time between work and study etc.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

BPP provide a very well structured programme of which Co-op support entirely through allowing practice in role and ensuring I get the time I need for exams and to study.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

A lot. Co-op are very supportive in my studies and self development. Allowing me to practice my studies in the job, ensuring I get time off for exams, and supporting with other skills and development as required.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

BPP provides a very useful comprehensive set up with its learning system. They also have coaches which help ensure you meet professional progress goals.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

4/5

A lot of what I learn can be applied directly as knowledge and skills into my job. The nature of law means that not everything can be applied as I do not practice all areas of law in my role. But that can't be changed with the nature of the industry. But overall I am gaining a lot through my qualification that helps in the role.

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 are fairly frequent social events for the team to get together after work. And my team gets involved in a lot of SMIB work within our Co-op Academies and outside training providers. But there is not much in the way of "extra-curriculars".

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend The Co-op to a friend?

Yes

Why?

Co-op is a great and extremely support employer who will support your own development heavily. They are also an incredibly ethical business and align with common ethical views in the world. Whilst the business provide the highest "compensation" in the industry, it is more than made up for in generous benefits and support such as extensive annual leave, other leave, discounts, and again extremely supportive in your development.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The Co-op?

Be yourself. Co-op is a very open and supporting business and are strong advocates for social mobility, inclusion, etc! Don't be afraid to not apply just because you don't have "experience", there are likely plenty of things you can apply from your life that work for the application. And don't be afraid to reach out to individuals within the business ahead of time, Co-op's employees are all super welcoming and would likely be willing to help.

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