The conversation around education and career development is changing. More than ever, people are recognising that the traditional path from school to university and then into work is not the only route to a successful and fulfilling career.
Rising education costs, the desire for practical experience and a growing interest in vocational learning have made apprenticeships an increasingly appealing option. At Howes Percival, apprenticeships have become a core part of how the firm builds its future talent, not only within its legal teams but across the whole organisation.
Since the firm launched its solicitor apprenticeship programme in 2022, interest has continued to grow. Apprentices begin with a two-year paralegal apprenticeship before moving on to the four-year solicitor apprenticeship. By the end of the programme they achieve an LLB (Hons) in Law and Legal Practice and sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination which provides a full and respected route into the legal profession.
This structure means apprentices work directly with colleagues and clients from the outset, gaining practical experience while steadily building their legal knowledge. It also offers a debt-free route into the profession which supports the firm’s commitment to accessibility and social mobility.
The results have already been extremely positive. People Director Natalie Clarke has highlighted the impact of the programme, noting that many apprentices have progressed from roles already within the firm, including secretaries and paralegals. This blend of internal development and external recruitment strengthens the culture of the organisation and ensures that future solicitors are closely aligned with the way the firm operates.
While legal pathways are a vital part of the programme, the reach of apprenticeships at Howes Percival now extends far beyond the firm’s legal teams. Apprenticeships within HR, IT, Finance as well as Business Development and Marketing continue to grow in number and scope. Each team has embraced the opportunity to welcome new talent, offering structured learning, daily support and the chance to build confidence in a professional environment.
In HR, apprentices help support recruitment and onboarding activities. Within Finance they assist with billing, reporting and essential administration. In IT they gain exposure to the systems and technology that support the entire firm. In Business Development and Marketing, they contribute to campaigns, events and client engagement. These roles provide meaningful opportunities for those who want to start their careers in professional services but may not have considered this route before.
Apprenticeships offer a valuable alternative to long periods of academic study by giving individuals the chance to earn a salary from day one while gaining real experience in a professional environment. This approach makes career development feel more accessible and removes many of the financial pressures associated with university study.
By opening doors to people from a wide range of backgrounds, apprenticeships support the firm’s commitment to widening participation and creating opportunities that feel both achievable and inspiring.
Business Development and Marketing apprentice Maddie Allingham summarises the impact of the apprenticeship route in her own words. She said: “Taking the apprenticeship route has been one of the best decisions I have made. I believe that my learning has strongly benefited from the practical experience I gain every day. Learning directly from my colleagues and having the chance to immediately apply what I am taught through my apprenticeship helps me understand everything so much quicker.
“The support and guidance I receive from everyone at Howes Percival has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work towards a qualification while developing professionally and earning a salary. I genuinely believe that the quality of my learning is stronger because I am doing the work, not just studying it, which is something I could not have achieved through university.”
Her experience is echoed by apprentices across the firm. Learning on the job, being part of a team and contributing to real work, enables apprentices to grow more quickly and gain confidence in their roles. They are encouraged to take ownership of tasks, ask questions and develop at a pace that feels both supported and stimulating.
A key part of the firm’s success in this area is the inclusive and encouraging culture that surrounds every apprentice. Each individual is supported by their managers and colleagues, invited to team meetings, included in discussions and given responsibilities that reflect their growing abilities. For solicitor apprentices, rotations across different practice areas give them the opportunity to gain insight into multiple areas of law before choosing the path that suits them best.
Natalie Clarke added: “This environment benefits the apprentices and strengthens the firm. Apprentices bring enthusiasm, curiosity and fresh ideas, while the firm provides stability, structure and long-term progression opportunities. By investing time and care into the apprenticeship programme, Howes Percival is building a workforce that is confident, capable and deeply connected to its values.
“Looking ahead, the firm is committed to growing its apprenticeship programme even further. Opportunities across both legal and business services teams will continue to expand, providing more individuals with accessible routes into professional careers. Apprenticeships are no longer seen simply as an alternative to university. At Howes Percival they are viewed as an investment in people, in potential and in the long-term success of the firm.”
In a changing landscape of education and work, Howes Percival is proud to support apprenticeships as a route that combines meaningful experience, financial accessibility and genuine opportunities for long term career development.
To find out more about apprenticeships and early career pathways, explore the full
range of opportunities at Howes Percival.
