Government approves Trailblazer Apprenticeships in Law

20 August 2014

The Government has today approved the standards for apprentices to become Chartered Legal Executives, solicitors or paralegals as meeting the requirements for the Trailblazer Apprenticeships in Law initiative.

The standards, which meet ILEX Professional Standards’ (IPS) requirements to become a Chartered Legal Executive, will now enter the second phase of consultation which will decide the curriculum and assessment process in line with IPS’ specifications. The consultation for the Chartered Legal Executive pathway will be supervised and co-ordinated by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).

Vicky Purtill, head of qualifications at CILEx said: “The CILEx Apprenticeships in Legal Services, which were launched in 2013, were the first of their kind and employer participation has already been sector-wide. There is mounting interest in legal apprenticeships and the Trailblazer framework will enhance the profile and scope of this accessible and affordable route into law.”

She continued: “The current Apprenticeships in Legal Services will remain as they are until the new framework, which is likely to be launched next year, is in place. CILEx would like to reassure those currently enrolled or due to enrol on a CILEx Apprenticeship in Legal Services that they will not be required to switch to the new scheme when it is introduced.”

Trailblazer Apprenticeships meet the changes required by the Government for apprenticeships in all sectors to be eligible for funding by 2017. The Trailblazer Apprenticeships in Law have been produced by professional bodies, regulators and a number of UK law firms and in-house teams.

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “I’m delighted that the legal trailblazer initiative has developed new apprenticeship standards for solicitor, Chartered Legal Executive and paralegal roles. Since 2010 there have been 1.8 million apprenticeship starts and law trailblazers are leading by example in the development and delivery of high quality apprenticeships that give people the chance of successful careers and help businesses get the skills they need to grow.”

ENDS

Photograph: Vicky Purtill, head of qualifications at CILEx