3-7 February sees the celebration of the 13th National Apprenticeship Week.
National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to reflect on apprenticeship success stories and appreciate the huge benefits that an apprenticeship offers, propelling learners to achieve success in their chosen career.
In recent years Garratts have teamed up with Damar Training to offer employees a route to further their education and progress their careers in the form of an apprenticeship. Garratts advocate the apprenticeship scheme and understand that this is attractive to their employees as they are able to ‘earn while they learn’.
Licensed Conveyancer - Shelly McGovern
Recently qualified Licensed Conveyancer Shelly McGovern at Garratts Worsley branch says ‘stepping onto an apprenticeship scheme was a really positive experience. The support I received was amazing. There were extensive online resources and materials available to me and also a personal tutor who I met with every 4-6 weeks. Taking this route did mean that there was some additional work to undertake but the additional work only enriched my learning experience as I covered matters that would not have otherwise been covered. Throughout my apprenticeship Garratts have encouraged and supported me and I am extremely grateful for their support.’
For employers thinking about offering apprenticeships to their staff and for people of all ages and abilities considering becoming an apprentice, Garratts urge them to look outside traditional qualification routes. This is in keeping with the theme of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week which is ‘Look Beyond’.
Garratts suggest that the ‘proof is in the pudding’ as to how apprenticeships appeal to employees and share the following testimonials from their current apprentices: -
Louise Graham, Litigation Executive
‘My goal is to progress my career to become a qualified solicitor. The opportunity arose to undertake the Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship and I successfully completed this two year course in 2019. I have recently begun the Solicitor Apprenticeship. Garratts have been extremely supportive and accommodating throughout this time and I am now well on my way to reaching my goal.’
Legal Secretary, Wills and Probate Department
I thoroughly enjoy my current role which I have undertaken for 10 years but now feel that I would like to progress further in my career. I have a young family at home which means that the Apprenticeship Scheme gives me the opportunity to complete further training combined with full time work. I am undertaking the Paralegal Apprenticeship working towards a CILEX level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice and eventually aim to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive. The apprenticeship will help me put my every day role into an academic context and I will be able to demonstrate my existing skills whilst gaining new ones, particularly legal research. I am hoping to continue learning with a view to qualifying as a Solicitor. Garratts are very supportive, they give me time during the working week to complete tasks and meet deadlines so I can still enjoy some family time at weekends.
Michael Garratt, Legal Assistant
I am currently working towards a Paralegal Level 3 Qualification. I have always been interested in this subject area and I thought it would be a great way to further my understanding of the work I am involved in. I am almost half way through my apprenticeship and I am thrilled with the progress I am making. I feel my apprenticeship has provided me with a better understanding of the work I do and encouraged me to confidently put into practice the knowledge I have developed. The support I have received from both my tutor and my colleagues at Garratts has been fantastic. I feel lucky to be part of such a friendly and approachable team who have made the entire experience thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding.
