This week marks National Apprenticeship Week, a week that we, at Oliver & Co, are delighted to take part in. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and highlight the experiences and contributions of our current apprentices.
Apprenticeships combine paid work with structured learning, offering a practical route into skilled employment. Open to people of all ages, they provide recognised qualifications alongside real-world experience. Their popularity is growing as people look for hands-on pathways into meaningful careers. Apprenticeships support progression, accessibility and long-term career success.
We currently have two apprentices, Olivia and Jake. Olivia is undertaking a solicitor apprenticeship, combining practical experience within the firm alongside her legal studies as she works towards qualifying as a solicitor. Jake is completing a paralegal apprenticeship, developing essential legal skills while supporting the team with day-to-day casework and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the profession.
What Our Apprentices Say
Olivia – Solicitor Apprentice
“As I reflect on my journey so far at Oliver & Co, during National Apprenticeship Week, it’s incredible to see how much I have learned since joining the firm in 2018 with a view to being the first paralegal apprentice here.
My first steps into the world of law began in the Clinical Negligence department. After some time spent working as an assistant in the department, I took the leap and commenced the CILEX Paralegal Apprenticeship. I qualified as a paralegal and gained invaluable insight into working on complex and sensitive matters, while developing core legal and professional skills.
Building on that foundation, I then decided to spend some time working as a paralegal within the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence department. I ran a small caseload with the support and guidance of my mentors. I knew I wanted more, so decided to apply for a position as Oliver & Co’s first Solicitor Apprentice.
In January 2025, I progressed into my first year as a Solicitor Apprentice in the Wills and Probate department. Over the past year, I have been supported by experienced colleagues and encouraged to grow in confidence and independence.
While the apprenticeship route has certainly been challenging at times, those challenges have been the most rewarding and have helped shape me into a more resilient and capable aspiring solicitor.
As I prepare to move into the Family department in February, I am grateful for the opportunities the apprenticeship has allowed me to take and excited to continue developing my skills as I work towards qualifying as a Solicitor.”
Jake – Paralegal Apprentice
“I am currently one year into my paralegal apprenticeship at Oliver & Co alongside my studies with Datalaw. This apprenticeship has allowed me to develop a strong understanding of legal processes through hands-on involvement in day-to-day casework, administrative responsibilities, and client-focused tasks.
As part of my training, I have undertaken a chosen module of conveyancing and four general law modules, allowing me to build a broad understanding of legal practice. In preparation for my upcoming End-Point Assessment, I am compiling a portfolio of evidence and maintaining a training log, both of which reflect the knowledge, skills, and behaviours I have learnt throughout the apprenticeship.
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have been working under the supervision of experienced colleagues, which has allowed me to learn more practical knowledge than any other route of education. With my qualification due to be completed in June, I am excited to progress in my legal career and continue building on the solid foundation this apprenticeship has provided.”
Building the Future Together
National Apprenticeship Week is a great reminder of the important role apprentices play in the legal profession and the value they bring to firms like ours. We are proud to support Olivia and Jake as they continue to develop their skills and progress in their careers. Their dedication and contributions highlight the benefits of apprenticeships, not only for individuals starting their journey in law but also for the future of the profession as a whole.
