Legal Apprentice Review

I work in a legal team where I assist in drafting contracts and managing deliverables required under contracts. I also get contracts signed by various lawyers and send copies out to the client. I have also done tasks involving archiving and other contract management skills. I attend team meetings with my small team and the wider team of business and legal affairs giving me a good understanding of what everyone does individually within the team.

Yes I have learnt many news skills and developed existing ones. I have taken various training courses online and with a mentor to develop certain skills I require for working in a business and with other professionals. I have developed my personal skills, for example organisation, punctuality and drive. I have learnt legal knowledge that was completely alien to me before starting the apprenticeship and those pieces of knowledge have helped me to complete various tasks for my apprenticeship work as well as business work.

I enjoy this programme because there is a sense of family within the business. Everyone wants to be involved with your development and wants to help you even if they are very busy. The teams are well formed and know what they are doing. However, if I was stuck on anything I could turn to any member of my team to get help. I did not have any expectations as it was not a world I had been in before but if I did have expectations the real result was definitely ten times better. I am enjoying the course immensely and, even though it has only really just started, I don't want it to end.

I feel extremely valued. My manager from my first placement has even asked me to stay on in their team for a half day a week to help them with certain tasks. My manager has tried to help me in anyway I can to complete my apprenticeship work and has got me involved with as many people in the wider team as possible so that I can learn all different things. Everyone always vocalised their appreciation for my help making me believe I was valued.

I believe that the programme is very well structured as it gives the opportunity to cover a wide range of legal principles. The induction to the overall scheme was very informative and let us meet BBC apprentices from all over the country which was interesting and very helpful in understanding how far the programme spreads. The whole team supports you in your work and it isn't scary to ask questions as everyone is willing to help. I have weekly catch-ups with my manager to see what I am doing and what my work load and apprenticeship load is at that time. This helps them to understand what I am doing and what I could be doing to progress my knowledge and my apprenticeship work. At the BBC, although there is a team hierarchy, the hot-desking arrangement and lack of offices means that the hierarchy feels less intimidating that it would in say a legal firm. This is extremely comforting for an apprentice because you do not feel worried about approaching anyone in the team. The only thing I would say is that the organisation from the training provider could be a little better.

I receive a good amount of support from the training provider however their organisation could be slightly better. For example we have been waiting 3 weeks now for our next course manual. It would have been useful to have it so that as soon as I finished my first exam I could start work on my next course. The online onefile system is very useful to see your progress and to see how you can improve. The feedback we get on tasks is also very extensive so we know exactly where we need to improve. It would be useful to have clearer webinars so that we don't have to rely completely on our private study. I am enjoying it however the organisation of it could be improved.

I have so much support from my employer. They are so enthusiastic about getting me through my course calmly and with excellent grades. The HR team are very easily accessible and are always able to help. I wouldn't say I have one single mentor because everyone in the team mentors you. They are very encouraging and reliable in answering any questions I have.

I believe the salary is good as I am able to pay rent in London, bills, tube fares and food, and still have a little extra to save, spend socially, or treat myself with.

There are social events organised by the company as well as activities like running and ukulele band. I go to yoga classes in the building on Tuesday mornings which is a wonderful way to start the day. I am hoping to start an external dance class but it is quite difficult to find one for my age group in London.

Yes

It is a very personable and friendly place. Everyone is so helpful. The atmosphere of the actual building is buzzing and a happy place to be. The support is brilliant.

Be yourself and be confident in who you are. If you don't believe you are the person for the role then the people reviewing your application or interviewing you won't believe it either. Show them why you want to take the apprenticeship in that topic but also why you are a person are suited to the fast-pace, thrilling business that is the BBC. You have nothing to lose - if you apply and don't get it, it isn't the end of the world! Keep trying and get your name heard and eventually someone will see you and believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. Take every opportunity and experience handed over to you because you may never get the chance to do it again!