- 11 Feb 2025
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- 3 min read
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
This week marks National Apprenticeship Week 2025 and to celebrate this, we’ve taken the opportunity to catch up with our own apprentices as well as our Apprenticeship Partner Steve Cole.
At Trethowans, we are dedicated to providing valuable apprenticeship opportunities that pave the way for success. Apprenticeship Partner Steve Cole tells us that ‘Apprenticeships are an invaluable part of Trethowans commitment to fostering diverse talent and providing real, hands-on experience in the legal field. Since launching our apprenticeship program last year we’ve seen great success, with our apprentices thriving and being fully supported every step of the way by our dedicated team leaders. The apprenticeship route to qualification offers a unique blend of practical experience and academic learning, giving individuals the chance to build valuable skills while progressing in their careers. We’re proud to be shaping the future of law through opportunities like this that empower the next generation of professionals.’
The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is skills for life and Ellie Stubbington, Digital Marketing Apprentice, in our Marketing team, outlines the skills she has gained from her apprenticeship since starting her qualification in October:
‘Choosing to do a Digital Marketing apprenticeship with Trethowans has given me the opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop my communication skills, and build a professional network while studying for my degree. From the application process to joining the course, I have been impressed by the level of support offered and would highly recommend the apprenticeship route.’
We also spoke with Harlen Hunte, Paralegal, in our Banking and Finance team, who joined the firm after completing his Law LLB degree at the University of Southampton:
‘Joining Trethowans as a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice has come with many benefits. I have gained exposure to varied and high quality client work, allowing me to quickly build on my existing foundation of legal knowledge from my degree without having to take a year out for law school. Before joining, I was set on doing Banking and Finance law; being able to focus solely on this practice area provided a huge incentive over a traditional training contract with seat rotations. I have a dedicated study day each week, allowing me to switch between enhancing my practical legal skills and studying for my SQE exams.
The apprenticeship involves mentorship from experienced lawyers at Trethowans during my working week.’
Katie Hawkins, Apprentice Solicitor, in our Private Client team, is nearly a year into her apprenticeship and adds ‘once I finished my LLB, I wanted to go straight into work with the intention of picking up the SQE part-time. I started working at Trethowans in 2022 in Private Client, fell in love with the work and knew I wanted to qualify into the team. A graduate apprenticeship wasn’t even on my radar until Trethowans confirmed it was an option to qualify while staying in my team.
The apprenticeship has been able to provide me with the flexibility, support and time to study. I work in-office four days a week and have a study day to ensure I complete the SQE content. I have an apprenticeship coach from the course provider and a mentor from the firm, Mihiri Gajraj (Head of the Private Client team). Having a mentor has provided me with invaluable support and on-the-job learning. This has ensured that at the end of the 18-month apprenticeship I am at the best possible place to start my career as a solicitor.
I am now 11 months into my apprenticeship and will receive my SQE1 results next month.’
If you would like to find out more about the apprenticeships we have to offer at Trethowans, contact our dedicated Early Careers team by emailing [email protected].
