Law
Published: June 19, 2024 | Updated: 19th June 2024
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a work-based training programme which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. An approved English apprenticeship usually comprises of a practical period (lasting for a minimum of 12 months), and off-the-job training (constituting 20%), and end-point assessment.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16 and apprentices are entitled to a minimum hourly wage rate. The training element is usually fully or partially government funded and an apprenticeship will be for a fixed term.
While many employers use apprenticeships to recruit school leavers, there is no upper age limit and apprentices can be of any background. This means even very senior employees can undertake an apprenticeship to improve their skills. Generally offering apprenticeships allows employers to provide opportunities to people from underrepresented groups and helps to build a diverse workforce, promoting inclusivity. However it also provides an opportunity to address skills gaps in any organisation.
How much is an apprentice wage?
For an apprentice aged under 19, or 19 or older but in the first year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice rate is £6.40 per hour.
Otherwise, apprentices are entitled to at least the minimum wage:
However, often apprenticeships are advertised with an annual wage or salary. Smaller employers are eligible for government funding which will pay between 95% and 100% of the apprentice training costs. Larger employers can make use of the levy to pay for apprenticeship training. Therefore there are really good financial incentives to structure your training around apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship agreements and training plan
An apprenticeship agreement is a formal document between the employer and apprentice that outlines the terms of employment. It is vital to have a compliant agreement to avoid any common law protections being implied into the apprenticeship, such as becoming a fixed term that cannot be ended in the usual way.
The Apprenticeship Agreement can include details such as the duration of the employment, qualifications being pursued and training provisions. The training plan must be developed and signed by the employer, the apprentice, and the training provider, and it should detail the content, schedule, and expectations for the training, as well as the procedures for dealing with any potential issues that may arise.
The training provider is responsible for the 20% ‘off-the-job’ training and should provide help and support as and when required when an employer takes on an apprentice. The training provider can also help:
Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme at Paris Smith
We have started using apprenticeships in law at Paris Smith LLP. The Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme at Paris Smith is designed for school and college leavers or those considering a change in career. The programme runs over six years and provides the necessary qualifications to become a solicitor, including a law degree and on-the-job experience.
The working week is split, with one day a week allocated to studying towards the degree qualification and four days spent working within the Paris Smith team, where apprentices are tasked with both legal and administrative duties.
Over the six-year apprenticeship with the firm, apprentices moved across different departments. We are confident that this will create a great stream of talent for the Firm.
To be eligible, applicants must have at least 5 GCSEs (including English and Maths) at Grade C or Level 4 and above. In addition, applicants must have achieved at least 120 A Level points at grade B or above, or an equivalent qualification. Applicants cannot be currently qualified in the legal field at Level 6 or above.
Apprenticeships within Paris Smith are assessed by exams and course work through out the initial four year. Then the final two years will be studying for and passing the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). This is split into two parts:
To get the best of Hampshire Biz News straight to your inbox every week, sign up for our newsletter!
