Legal students find career success after completing high-quality apprenticeships with partners Oldham College and AST Hampsons.
Former Oldham College apprentices Charlie, Joseph and Matthew completed their Paralegal apprenticeships while working in full time employment at AST Hampsons Solicitors. Charlie and Joseph are now studying to become qualified Licensed Conveyancers, specialising in legal property transactions.
Charlie comments “the apprenticeship was very well structured and with the support of Anna and Sulbia, I was pushed to achieve my full potential, which made the training feel valuable, the coursework really informed and made sense of the transactional work we carried out in the office”.
Joseph added: “The Paralegal apprenticeship set me up for a great career and I feel that it was a very positive experience which worked well for me.”
Matthew has taken a different route and is planning to start a Solicitor degree apprenticeship later this year. He says:
“You knew what to expect at every stage, so could prepare yourself and share ideas with other apprentices.”
Anna Murzell, Partner & Head of the AST Hampsons office in Rochdale, sees great value in apprentices.
Anna says: “Apprentices are the future of the firm, and working around experienced staff, managers and partners illustrates the potential for their future careers.
We receive an excellent level of consistent, positive support from Oldham College – everyone gives 100%.
All our apprentices work extremely hard. An apprenticeship is only as good as the work all parties put in – apprentice, employer and training provider.”
Current Oldham College apprentice Sundee shares this view. She says: “AST Hampsons are exceptional at recognising key qualities in young individuals looking to get onto the career ladder – with the help and support of both the employer and Oldham College, these qualities continue to be nurtured and crafted into high performing skills.”
Oldham College Tutor Assessor for Finance and Professional Services Sulbia describes AST Hampsons as a ‘fantastic’ employer to work with.
“Anna has very high standards, which match my own – so it was an easy task to support her apprentices to achieve their best,” she says.
“The difference in [the apprentices’] confidence and ability from when they joined the firm to now is remarkable.
“The nurturing, mentoring and coaching apprentices receive at work, and the support they receive in College, fit together like a jigsaw to help them succeed.”
This working relationship will only strengthen moving forward, with the new Paralegal apprenticeship standard giving employers a bigger role in the qualification.
Where apprentices were previously assessed via exams, they now complete a project that has been agreed with the employer, and intended to have meaningful impact in the workplace.
If you would like more information about becoming an apprenticeship employer, please take a look at our employer apprenticeship page
Apprentices are the future of the firm, and working around experienced staff, managers and partners illustrates the potential for their future careers.
