The Law Society of England and Wales has welcomed the government’s decision to partially fund level 7 apprenticeships for young people aged 16-21, but said providing opportunities for those aged over 21 is ‘critical’ to support legal recruitment.
Earlier this week the government announced it would be ‘refocusing’ funding away from Level 7 (masters level) apprenticeships from January next year, but would maintain support for those aged 16 to 21 and existing apprenticeships. ‘This will enable levy funding to be rebalanced towards training at lower levels, where it can have the greatest impact’, the government said.
However, the Law Society has warned that, without funding for people aged over 21, a ‘vital’ career path will be removed from young people who can’t afford university fees or aren’t able to leave their home town find work in the legal sector.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said:
“Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships continue to be the only route outside of university to qualify as a solicitor due to specific qualifications set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).”
And, while he welcomed the commitment to funding level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 16 to 21 in England and said he hoped to see an expansion of the scheme to Wales, Atkinson urged the government to maintain apprenticeship funding for people over 21.
He added:
“Apprenticeships play a vital role in promoting social mobility. In 2023-24 more than 1,300 people started solicitor apprenticeships, 45% of which were between the ages of 20 and 24. Continuing to fund solicitor apprenticeships after the age of 21 is critical if we are to support recruitment within the legal profession.
“Targeted recruitment is particularly needed in smaller regional areas. Offering apprenticeships in these areas encourage young people to look for opportunities locally, knowing they do not have to move to bigger cities to work in law.
“We hope the government supports the funding of solicitor apprenticeships past the age of 21 and demonstrates its commitment to the legal sector, a proven driver of growth in England and Wales.”
The government’s ‘radical skills revolution’ will create 120,000 new training opportunities with a focus on construction and the care sector. And, while £14 million has been set aside for local mayors to ‘support up to 5,000 additional adult learners’, the money will be ringfenced for construction skills.
‘As part of the government’s Plan for Change, the reforms are a vital step in delivering our youth guarantee and addressing skills shortages to drive growth while creating better opportunities for young people and adults across England’, the government said.
