Using our SQE and online design expertise, this highly interactive and structured training is designed for passing the SQE. We have not repurposed any LPC materials and designed our training specifically to address the new SQE syllabus and de-risk the national exams for Graduate Solicitor Apprentices. The learner journey also ensures there is a very clear and defined pathway to ensure the workplace evidence portfolio covers all the required apprenticeship standards.
We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We would also like to set certain functional and advertising cookies to help us improve our site. We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences.
You can click "Accept all cookies" below to accept use of all cookies on this website, or select "Manage cookies preferences" to choose which cookies we can use. For more information about the cookies we use, see our Cookie Notice
graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme
Approach the SQE with confidence
The College delivers solicitor apprenticeship programmes for law and non-law graduates for employers. These programmes combine our SQE expertise with personalised coaching to ensure that your apprenticeships receive the best possible legal training and support.
Our apprenticeship programmes are designed to integrate with your employees’ weekly work at the firm, recognising the demands on trainees’ time and support required for your clients. The flexible training that the College offers includes SQE preparation training and brings in additional
1-2-1 coaching and support to ensure full engagement giving apprentices the best chance of passing the SQE exams.
Legal services organisations are increasingly moving to the graduate solicitor apprenticeships to provide a funding route and structure for their approach to SQE generating positive outcomes for their trainees and their organisation.
GRADUATE SOLICITOR APPRENTICESHIPS (GSA)
Course overview
- 2-year programme for law graduates familiar with the law of England & Wales
- 3-year programme for non-law graduates (from Feb 2025)
The College of Legal Practice is a registered Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Provider and partners with employers to provide a flexible structured pathway for their apprentices to work through passing SQE1, towards the end point assessment (SQE2) whilst completing their workplace portfolio of evidence and gaining their Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
As your registered provider, we will deliver virtual training and coaching to the apprentices. This will not require them to go offsite to a campus on a designated day each week. Instead, the apprentice will complete their required training within the workplace, with the firm and apprentice running the training on a flexible basis.
Two programmes
The two apprentice pathways we offer are:
- Two-year programme for law graduates: This programme includes the SQE1 and SQE2 preparation training (SLK and SLS), studied across the two-year programme with the end point assessment being the SQE2 national exam.
- Three-year programme for non-law graduates (starting February 2025): This programme starts with training through our Graduate Diploma in Law Foundations and then continues through the SQE preparation over the subsequent two years with the end point assessment being the SQE2 national exam.
The programmes include initial contracting, learner assessment (functional skills assessment), Apprentice and Employer Supervisor induction and induction meetings with their coach.
Included in the programme:
Learning designed for the SQE:
Support from our experienced solicitor supervisors:
We give your apprentices high levels of personalised supervisor engagement and individual feedback on their performance throughout their training with us, plus through our online platform, your apprentices can access support throughout the week.
Individual coaching from experienced legal professionals:
We give your apprentice ongoing individual coaching throughout the programmes, working closely with both your apprentice and you as the employer. Our coaches have been trained and have a very strong understanding of the SQE national examination syllabus. We will endeavour to ensure the same coach works with you and your apprentices throughout the programme.
Flexible learning to weekly deadlines:
The training makes the best use of technology, providing options that fit around your apprentices’ work schedule. Much of the learning content is available online at any time, supporting your firm's commitment to work/life balance. Our technology allows us to provide accurate performance feedback to assist your apprentices and their employer/coach to give you an up-to-date view on progression.
Close collaboration:
We work closely with you to ensure we, together, identify and address any specific learning and development needs for your apprenticeships and help you manage the responsibilities of an apprenticeship employer. We will assist with all onboarding and place great emphasis on our excellent account management with you.
We are already working with several organisations and leading law firms to support their graduate apprenticeships through the SQE.
Why employ graduate apprenticeships?
Here are some considerations when thinking about taking on a graduate solicitor apprenticeship.
Increasing access to the profession:
Retention and Progression:
Tailored support for your SQE candidates:
Funding:
Programme Structure
The programme is very structured with a clear learner's journey and detailed engagement monitoring and reporting.
Initial diagnosis
The first step for your apprentice, once registered, is a full induction programme and diagnostic to understand where they are in terms of their legal knowledge against a clear set of competencies.
Preparation for SQE1 and SQE2
The training for SQE1 and SQE2 is through guided learning and live support sessions from the College’s supervisors. Weekly deadlines are set for completion of units of learning, and surgeries, town halls, personal supervision and feedback sessions are all offered virtual in short sessions across the week.
The detail of the structure of this training can found on our SQE1 and SQE2 preparation course pages.
SQE Assessment
The programme is structured to fully prepare the apprentice for SQE1 in their first year of training. The apprenticeship must pass SQE1 to continue the apprenticeship scheme. After passing SQE1, SQE2 is taken at the end of their second year – the end point assessment for their apprenticeship.
Should your apprentice not pass SQE1 first time, they can look at one resit, as part of the programme at no additional cost.
Coaching
Throughout the course the apprentices will have their coach by their side. They will act as a support contact throughout the two or three year programme, consistently advising them and monitoring their progress. The coach will also help build a portfolio of workplace evidence and meet with their line manager every 12 weeks.
For non-law graduates
The first of this three-year programme will include training covering Foundational Law, and then the apprenticeship will move onto preparation for SQE1 in their second year and SQE2 as the end point assessment in year three.
GRADUATE SOLICITOR APPRENTICESHIP PACK
Read our graduate solicitor apprenticeship pack to get further details on the programme. The guide also includes a sample of the learner journey in addition to details on how to apply to the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship programme.
Course details
Admissions Criteria - Law Graduate 2-year programme
-
Level 2 in maths and English or has evidence of exemptions.
-
UK undergraduate degree with minimum 2:2 classification or equivalent qualification or experience.
-
Applications are still invited from those with a third-class degree, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are applying with a third-class degree, you will be asked to submit a Personal Statement as part of your application, summarising any circumstances which resulted in your degree classification. You may also be invited to an informal interview with our Academic Team to further discuss suitability for admission.
-
If English isn’t your first language, English language qualifications equivalent to IELTS at level 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in each component (writing, listening, speaking, reading). You can be exempt from this requirement if you have a qualification which is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree which was taught in English. Please refer to our Admissions Guidance for full entry criteria details.
If you don’t have a UK law degree or equivalent experience based on the Law of England & Wales, eg GDL, we strongly recommend our three-year programme
Click here to see our Admissions Guidance.
Admissions Criteria - Non Law Graduate 3-year programme
-
Level 2 in maths and English or has evidence of exemptions.
-
UK undergraduate degree with minimum 2:2 classification or equivalent qualification or experience, OR 3 A-Levels (or equivalent qualification), alongside at least two years work experience in legal services (for example, as a paralegal)
-
Applications are still invited from those with a third-class degree, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are applying with a third-class degree, you will be asked to submit a Personal Statement as part of your application, summarising any circumstances which resulted in your degree classification. You may also be invited to an informal interview with our Academic Team to further discuss suitability for admission.
-
If English isn’t your first language, English language qualifications equivalent to IELTS at level 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in each component (writing, listening, speaking, reading). You can be exempt from this requirement if you have a qualification which is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree which was taught in English. Please refer to our Admissions Guidance for full entry criteria details.
Click here to see our Admissions Guidance.
Course options
2-year programme, including SQE1 and SQE2 training and assessments: 8-10 study hours per week
3-year programme, including Foundations programme, SQE1 and SQE2 training and assessments: 8-10 study hours per week
Timing
The College are running each programme twice a year, starting in August and February.
We are currently accepting applications for both programmes starting in February 2025.
How to Apply
If your organisation would like to apply for an apprenticeship programme place with the College, please complete this application form.
Please contact us to if you are interested in this opportunity and we can arrange a discussion at your convenience.
contact us