New legal apprenticeships will match university degrees, says minister

The government is in talks with BPP Law School over plans to provide a legal apprenticeship scheme which will allow aspiring lawyers to qualify into the profession without first having to complete a university degree.

The plans were outlined in a Daily Telegraph column by Matthew Hancock, the Skills minister. Hancock explained his desire to create more apprenticeships that match university qualifications in the eyes of employers, including in professions such as law and accountancy. Some firms have already launched apprenticeship schemes which allow apprentices to qualify as legal executives through on-the-job learning, but the precise nature of the apprenticeship qualifications being formulated by the government and BPP are currently unknown.

Writing specifically on the government's work with BPP on legal apprenticeships, Hancock said: "I'm especially excited about a new law apprenticeship which BPP Law School is seeking to develop as an alternative to the traditional means of qualifying as a solicitor. It is in discussion with the relevant regulatory body and sector skills council, Skills for Justice, to advance its proposals."