Apprentice Blog - Why I chose an apprenticeship

“I am often asked why I chose an apprenticeship. The truth is I was never 100 per cent sold on the idea of going to university because I was ready to get stuck into the world of work. I was initially sceptical about apprenticeships because I didn’t want to be handicapped by not obtaining a degree. An apprenticeship in law offered me the ideal alternative.

I applied to university alongside everyone else in my school year and even received an unconditional offer from a Russell Group university. However, I also bucked the trend by researching and applying to a number of apprenticeships and The Gordons Apprenticeship Programme stood out as a great choice.

Apprenticeships aren’t for everyone. Some see apprenticeships as the “easy option” but working full time and studying for exams to become a qualified lawyer is far from easy. It takes hard work, determination and a large amount of self-discipline.

I feel very lucky to have achieved and learned as much as I have in my early years. One thing is for certain: I would not have gained the hands‑on experience I feel is so important in shaping my career had I not taken the decision to embark on an apprenticeship. I’ve also been able to learn about and work with clients across a wide range of sectors – including retail, investments and logistics which has really helped me broaden my knowledge and expertise.

Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve had the opportunity to gain great experience working with well‑known businesses in these sectors. I’m particularly proud to have supported Iceland and Wren with their acquisitions, as well as acting for clients on a variety of transactional and property management matters. Gaining exposure to such a diverse mix of businesses has been invaluable, and I genuinely enjoy developing my experience across different industries.

Taking an apprenticeship is one of the best decisions I have ever made and I would certainly recommend more young people look into the benefits and how they can provide a fantastic foundation to a successful, enjoyable and rewarding career.

I get asked whether I regret not going to university. The answer to this question is simple: absolutely not! The amount I have learned over the first years of my apprenticeship and the experience I am gaining is unique.

Rather than attending lectures and applying to graduation schemes, I am working in a successful law firm with experienced lawyers on a daily basis. This gives me a fantastic opportunity to learn, develop and set the foundations for a successful career, which I can now see unfolding in front of me.

During the application process, the first apprentice at Gordons had nearly qualified as a chartered legal executive. That told me all I needed to know about the success of the programme, which has now seen the first two apprentices qualify and a further three apprentices on the last phase before qualification. That eased any fears I had about the risk of not doing the “done thing” and going to university.

A common misconception is that, as an apprentice, you miss out on aspects of your social life. This has not been the case for me, far from it. Earning a salary gives you the freedom to enjoy your weekends and holidays as you please. There are regular work social events and nights out and I also really enjoy taking part in football games or other sporting events organised through work.”

Looking back six years on, I can see just how much that decision to take an apprenticeship shaped the career I’ve built. The combination of early responsibility, real client exposure and structured learning gave me a foundation that has stayed with me throughout my journey to qualification. What began as an alternative to university became the stepping stone to a career I am genuinely proud of. The confidence, legal skills and commercial awareness I developed as an apprentice have underpinned every stage of my progression, and I’m grateful every day that I chose a path that allowed me to grow, contribute and thrive from day one.