Do graduate solicitor apprentices have the best chance of passing the SQE?

Posted on30 July 2024

In this article, Dr Giles Proctor explains why he believes Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (GSA) Programmes can give both employers and individuals the best possible opportunities to help employees qualify via the SQE route.

What is a GSA?

Many people have heard of 6-year apprenticeships, well the GSA is a graduate entry apprenticeship programme that runs for either 2 or 3 years and trains apprentices to pass the SQE1 and SQE2 whilst also producing the workplace evidence portfolio which will also form the basis for meeting the QWE requirements .Both solicitor apprenticeship programmes end with the SQE2 end point assessment and provide a qualification route to becoming a solicitor.

We are starting to see firms include graduate solicitor apprenticeship programmes within their early careers training portfolios, and guess what? We think that these apprentices have a very strong chance of passing the SQE first time around.

At The College of Legal Practice, we see the GSA as a unique collaboration between a higher education provider and a legal services organisation. We work closely with our client firms on each of their programmes and we are finding that there are some key differences with this programme and SQE preparation courses that greatly benefit both the individuals and the employer. I have summarised them below.

SQE Funding for the employer

As you might be aware, large employers can draw down 95% of the funding for the GSA through the apprenticeship levy, making this an efficient way to bring in future solicitors in a sustainable way for your business. This funding channel is unique and can be put towards the full apprenticeship programme costs that includes training, coaching and SQE1 & 2 assessment costs, including one re-sit for SQE1.

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