Firm’s Apprenticeship Scheme Set To Deliver New Improved Training Focus

Irwin Mitchell has announced its largest single intake of new apprentices, with 24 new recruits commencing Paralegal Level 3 and Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship programmes. 

All 24 have started their induction at the start of a two year programme and will be joined by more in the years ahead as Irwin Mitchell enhances its apprenticeship scheme as part of the firm’s ambitious future growth plans.

The new recruits will be based throughout the country, with six apprentices based in Sheffield and Leeds, two in the Manchester, Birmingham, Cambridge, London offices and one each in Gatwick, Bristol, Southampton and Reading.

All the new apprentices came through a rigorous selection process and are now at the start of their individual programmes, which will see them achieve the relevant qualifications but also lay the groundwork for their future careers and the long term success of the business.

Some of the courses are completely new, as the Early Years Careers Team and apprentice manager Lorcan Seery who started in March, have worked to expand the roles on offer, in line with business need and the growing importance of experience with data and the digital world.

Lorcan Seery, apprentice manager at Irwin Mitchell, said: “It’s a real privilege to welcome our biggest ever single cohort of apprentices to the firm and we wish them every success at the start of what promises to be one of the most informative stages of their career journey.

“We are also delighted also to be starting apprenticeships for the very first time within the People Team, Asset Management and Marketing, aimed at further supporting our growth aspirations, as we move forward post-lockdown.

These developments set the wheels in motion for a significant uptick in our apprenticeship work, and gives people from many backgrounds, both internal and external, a chance to learn new skills and develop their future career path.

“The fact this is our biggest ever intake is a sign of our renewed focus on our colleagues of the future, across all areas of the firm and geographically across the country. The lockdown naturally made taking on new apprentices a challenge, so we are keen now to make up for lost ground, creating new opportunities and laying the groundwork for the long term success of the business.”

Starting this week, all the new apprenticeships are on a 24 month fixed term contact, with the training expected to complete in 2023.

The news on apprentices follows the firm’s announcement of a 93% retention rate of newly qualified solicitors and the adoption of a Flexible by Choice policy, allowing all colleagues to work when and where they want, subject to client requirements.

Several new partners have been recruited in recent months, including Christine Thornley in tax, trusts and estates; Angela Jackman in public law and human rights and Danielle Parsons and Deborah Casale in employment, together with several new senior associate hires nationwide.

The positive news on recruitment caps an 11th consecutive year of growth for the 2020-21 financial year, with turnover up to £275.8m.