Sheffield legal provider proves popular for apprentices

12th August 2016

Wake Smith Solicitors' successful modern apprenticeship programme continues to deliver key benefits to the firm and its employees.

The firm, which has taken 10 apprentices on since 2012 as part of Sheffield City Council's Sheffield 100 Apprentice scheme, has seen vacancies filled in legal and administration roles across departments including marketing, residential conveyancing and wills and probate. Part of the scheme includes apprentices taking NVQ qualifications in different elements of legal and business topics. The most recent success was for Wake Smith's marketing executive Bridie Mulgrew who has completed a one-year level 3 social media for business diploma. Dronfield-based training provider Skills for Careers successfully steered Bridie, who joined Wake Smith four years ago as an apprentice administration assistant, through the course. She has now signed up for the level 4 higher apprenticeship in Digital Marketing diploma the equivalent to an undergraduate degree course. Former Ecclesfield Comprehensive School student Bridie, said: -Since joining as an apprentice Wake Smith has provided me with plenty of opportunities to further my skills set and I know these qualifications will help the company further its reach and business targets. -The chance to study to degree level is a huge opportunity to progress my career here and one that I will build upon in years to come. Oliver Simpson, head of The Digital Marketing Academy at Skills for Careers said: -Bridie has been a committed and exemplary student and a credit to Wake Smith. She has a great future in digital marketing in front of her, and we look forward to working with both Bridie and Wake Smith in the future. Mark Serby, director at Wake Smith, said: -Wake Smith places huge importance on developing its staff and the recruitment of modern apprentices has allowed us to bring in 10 new employees over the last four years and retain a high percentage of these on completion of their apprenticeship. -Apprenticeships are highly valuable because the candidates learn to work within the group and embrace the company ethos from the outset which makes for a good working environment, as well as bringing new skills-sets to the business. Wake Smith is one of Yorkshire's longest established law firms and employs 100 staff at its Sheffield headquarters at No 1 Velocity. It is currently in the process of recruiting for an apprentice to join its cashiers team where the successful applicant will work towards an accountancy qualification.