National law firm, Stephensons Solicitors LLP’s first apprentice has qualified into a permanent position with the firm.
Chloe Kendall, from Warrington, has taken up her role in the firm’s Marketing team as a PR assistant, following her completion of the Higher Apprenticeship in Public Relations, which is accredited by the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA).
The Higher Apprenticeship is the equivalent to a foundation degree and was launched less than two years ago and is a 12-18 month programme of learning. Chloe is first PR apprentice on the scheme to qualify into the legal sector.
Chloe said: “After completing my A-levels I was unsure whether I wanted to go to University. While researching other options, I came across the PR apprenticeship. This scheme has allowed me to work while gaining an industry-recognised qualification.
“I feel that the experience I have gained from working at Stephensons has better prepared me for a career in public relations rather than having a degree.”
Francis Ingham, PRCA Director General, said: “Congratulations to Chloe on passing her PR apprenticeship. The on-the-job experience she has gained combined with her qualification will ensure a bright future in PR.”
In the last 12 months, Stephensons has recruited nine apprentices - in legal and support positions – to widen accessibility to the legal profession. The firm is part of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Employer Ownership of Skills’ initiative, in which a group of leading law firms in the region have committed to offer 80 legal apprenticeships between them.
Janine Turner, HR manager at Stephensons, said: “Apprenticeships offer a really credible alternative to University for people who want to follow a clear, structured and recognised career path into the industry. We’re embracing the opportunity and proud to be offering a variety of routes into the legal profession. I would like to congratulate Chloe on her achievement.”
Stephensons is looking to recruit more apprentices in the upcoming months.