Paralegal apprenticeships are helping to launch careers: Two apprentices at JCP Solicitors share their experiences
Two apprentices working at JCP Solicitors have completed paralegal work-based learning programmes under Coleg Sir Gâr’s apprenticeship scheme.
Carolina Galanti, from Neath and Caralee Parry from Swansea, will be progressing their legal careers and extending their studies from a level three to a level five university qualification under their current apprenticeship.
We asked them to share their experiences to help inspire others into undertaking a legally focussed work-based programme.
Carolina Galanti has a passion for helping others and sharing her knowledge to support those in need of legal guidance.
“My goals are to carry on my studies to become a solicitor, helping others and making a positive impact by providing accessible and effective legal assistance,” said Carolina. “The level three course I found has enhanced my understanding of the law’s impact on every day life, deepening my appreciation of its relevance and application.”
Carolina balances a full-time job, academic commitments and a personal life but she has developed strategies that allows her to manage her responsibilities. “I believe the hard work and perseverance were well worth it,” she said.
This resonates with Caralee Parry, who says that one of the most important skills she developed on the apprenticeship was learning to manage her workload, which has helped her prepare for progression to level five.
She also experienced some challenges along the way despite putting a lot of effort into the work. “However, with encouragement from my tutors, training advisor and work colleagues, I was able to get through it and succeed,” she said. “Bumps in the road are completely normal, just make sure you are patient with yourself and set enough time for studying.”
Her main goal for the next level of the qualification is to continue her journey with CILEX, which is the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, a statutory body for the legal services sector. “I hope to qualify into a court protection team and build my career within that area of legal services,” she said.
More information about apprenticeships in Legal Services
The level three and level five courses are delivered at University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Swansea Bay campus.
The apprenticeship framework is delivered by Coleg Sir Gâr where each apprentice is allocated a training advisor as a mentor to offer support, guidance and progression.
Both programmes are part-time and fully funded by Welsh Government.
Learners will undertake the CILEX professional qualification as part of the apprenticeship.
Contact Lydia.david@colegsirgar.ac.uk for further details.