As a not so conventional route to qualification, some people claim apprenticeships are less viable, less credible and overall too good to be true. Will I even get a real degree? Will I be given any sort of responsibility? Will it even be a proper job? I'm here to demystify these common misconceptions about the solicitor apprenticeship.

"Apprenticeships are the easy way in"

Many people think that apprenticeships are for underachievers who couldn’t get into university. Let me stress, that is NOT TRUE. Similar to university, apprenticeships require written applications, interviews and the same A Level grades as you would need to go to university. Many choose to embark on the apprenticeship because it is a unique route that provides invaluable practical experience, and not because they can't get into university.

"It's not a real degree"

Like traditional law students, solicitor apprentices study for and receive an LLB undergraduate degree. The only difference is that apprentices are able to apply the principles learned at university almost instantly at work. In fact, solicitor apprenticeships are at Level 7- meaning that as long as you have passed all of your exams, at the end of the six years you will be a qualified solicitor, with experience in up to 8 different areas of law before having to decide which one to qualify into. And yes, you will have a graduation ceremony with the chance to toss that cap in the air, don’t worry!

"Apprentices don't do any real work"

 Before beginning my apprenticeship journey, I was told I'd be doing nothing but serve tea and coffee for the next six years. That could not be any further from the truth. Apprentices are given a wide variety of tasks based around current deals, get to sit in on client calls and even attend court (opportunities available depend on the department that you are working in). Since beginning my apprenticeship just under four months ago, I've been given the opportunity to record lots of billable work and collaborate with associates! The work given to apprentices develops as you build up confidence and experience, providing you with an extensive portfolio of work and opportunities to develop your skills.

"Apprentices have no social life"

Whilst it is true the social life of an apprentice differs to one of a uni student, that does not mean we apprentices miss out on all the fun. Here at Osborne Clarke, we do enjoy a break from the desk. Apprentices get to indulge in various firm-wide events from Christmas and team get togethers, all the way through to Summer parties by the beach! Let's not forget, as degree apprentices, there is also the chance to join university societies and get access to all those events too.

"Apprenticeships do not offer career progression"

Immediately this statement proves wrong as there are many ways to develop as a solicitor apprentice. By the time you are a trainee, you will have had four years more hands-on legal experience than your peers, which is four years of learning how the firm works and and build relationships. Once you have qualified, there is the same career progression and promotion opportunities available as someone who qualified via the traditional university route. This route follows a "learn on the job" strategy, providing a jump-start for progression, as opposed to your counterparts.

"Apprentices are underpaid"

Becoming a solicitor apprentice means committing to a full-time job, and that means a full-time salary! Starting salaries can range between £22-27,000 p.a. and increase annually. This can give you that financial independence from just 18 years old. No tuition fees and a salary are just a few of the amazing up-sides to the solicitor apprenticeship scheme.

So there you have it! A new route into a professional legal career debunked for you. It's no wonder solicitor apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular.

Sumaiya Hafiza - Solicitor apprentice