Legal Apprentice Review

I work in one of our Real Estate teams, my general day to day work includes reporting on various documents, meetings with team members about current projects and developments we are working on and also helping newer members of the Real Estate team get to grips with the role.

I have done a number of internal and external training courses, on different parts of Real Estate and also a Mental Health First Aid course. I have improved my communication skills and really grown in confidence in my time at the firm so far.

I thoroughly enjoy the work that I am given, it is considerably more complex than I had imagined it would be before I started the programme and it allows for us to gain new knowledge every day. The team and company culture has gone above and beyond my expectations. I have found that our office has a different feel to any other firm I have visited, people are so kind and supportive - particularly to the apprentices. As there are a number of years of apprentices now, we have built a really nice group to support each other through the more stressful times of year.

We are given a comprehensive induction in our first few weeks at the firm, alongside being assigned a buddy in one of the years above who is able to give you support with work and also academically. As apprentices, we are very well supported by our managers and also by a strong network of Mental Health First Aiders, who are always available for support. We meet with our manager at least monthly (more if required) to discuss progress and areas for improvement. The programme is particularly well organised, our study day is always respected and towards exam time the teams are understanding of the fact that we need to revise in the evenings/at lunch so can't take on too much work.

I have found BCLP to be nothing but supportive when I have needed it. My manager has been particularly understanding when it comes to issues outside of work and study that I may have struggled with over the years. There are a number of ways in which we can get support, with free counselling available along with an insurance scheme that offers mental health support. We also have a network of Mental Health First Aiders, a number of which are trained in bereavement support. The general attitude towards support has been really positive, everyone always has the time of day to help and give guidance where required.

My modules have assisted me greatly with the work that I do, most of the theory I have learnt has been used in practice so far which is really helpful. It works both ways as well, we learn a lot at work that can help with modules at university.

There are lots of activities to get involved in, from netball to football and also monthly drinks trolleys where everyone can relax and enjoy some food and drinks. As we are a large group of apprentices we often organise evenings and nights out over the weekend.

Yes

The main reason I recommend BCLP is the culture, I feel so supported in my role and also outside of work. We are also given good quality experience in the workplace from the outset, which gives experience that is unmatched.

Be yourself! The application process is as much a way for you to find somewhere that you are happy with as much as it is about a firm finding a good candidate. I think it's also really important to ask meaningful questions throughout the assessment day, particularly if you're given the opportunity to speak to some current apprentices. Finally, listen carefully to the questions you might be asked, if you aren't sure you can always ask for the question to be repeated.