18 August 2011

A-Level students – forget clearing and get ahead by learning on the job

While A-level students compete for the last ‘affordable’ university places, The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) is reassuring those that miss out, there are better options available.

Seen by many as an ‘academics only’ career, law is often over subscribed at Universities across the country. In fact, According to UCAS, almost a quarter of all UK university applications are to study law. However just 15,000 places to study law are available, so 82% of applicants will face rejection.

Kate Smith, 21 is a perfect example. Kate was given bad advice when she got her grades and was told the only option after A-levels was university. She thought her dreams of a law career were over, but now says that was actually a blessing in disguise. Kate’s now gaining invaluable practical experience working at Kenneth Bush Solicitors, Norfolk. “I’m earning money and I’m a valued member of the team. The ILEX studies can be hard, as you’d expect, but they’re funded by my employer.”

ILEX students typically earn between £15,000 and £28,000 a year as they move up through their studies. On top of that, around 75% of employers fund their Legal Executive students’ studies.

But even if their employer can’t pay for studies, the entire ILEX route costs less than £7,000 spread over the duration (usually either 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time). That’s much cheaper than a three-year law degree and the additional postgraduate training costs of around £12,900 to become a solicitor or £15,750 to be a barrister. Once qualified Legal Executives could then earn up to £92,000 a year (according to recent surveys).

Diane Burleigh Chief Executive at ILEX adds: “Of course we wish all A-level Students today the best of luck, but they need to know that a good career need not be forged at University.

“While studying Legal Executive Lawyers earn money, practical client care and other employability skills you can’t pick up in a classroom. So, when they qualify they’re already ahead of the students finishing their degrees and don’t need to look for a job either.”

ENDS