What is the BBC Legal Apprentice Programme?
The BBC is the world’s leading public service broadcaster. Its mission is to enrich people’s lives with programmes that inform, educate and entertain. It provides television, radio and digital services in the UK, and through its commercial subsidiaries brings the best of the BBC’s content to the rest of the world.
In 2014, we launched our legal apprentice programme which is designed to provide an alternative to the university route, thus enabling high achieving school leavers to work towards qualifying as lawyers. Training on the apprentice programme is run by CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) ‘s Law School via distance learning and workplace assessment. Our apprentices will be with us for two years during which they will take Level 3 legal qualifications that form part of the route to become a lawyer.
Where are these opportunities available?
We have 3 places available in our London offices, 1 in Salford and 1 in Glasgow.
Why should I consider the BBC legal apprentice programme as an alternative to university?
University tuition fees now mean that students typically leave university with a large debt. It can be difficult for them to find relevant work experience and to get on the career ladder.
The BBC Legal Apprenticeship offers an alternative route into law which avoids the expense and uncertainty of the university route. On our programme, school leavers can earn a salary and study toward recognised legal qualifications whilst gaining quality work experience under the supervision of our world class lawyers. For those already committed to a career in law, this route can get you working and earning in your chosen field from day one.
When does the apprenticeship begin and how long does the programme last?
Apprentices will join the BBC in September 2016 on a two year fixed term contract and will be supported through their studies with half a day per week study leave.
What would I be studying and what skills will I gain?
The apprenticeship covers an Introduction to Law and Practice (the English Legal System); Contract Law; Civil Litigation; Client Care Skills and Legal Research Skills. There will be assessments on those subjects. You will also be acquiring the skills of a paralegal such as creating documents for court; drafting; doing research, and communicating with clients. The apprenticeship is called a Trailblazer Apprenticeship for Paralegals.
What work will I be doing?
During the apprenticeship you will be heavily involved in the legal work carried out by the BBC – assisting lawyers with their cases, transactions and projects, having your own responsibilities within the team, carrying out legal research and building relationships with our internal clients.
We aim to give you experience of different areas of the BBC group, enabling you to sample a wide variety of legal work and get involved in quality projects right from the very start. You will be closely supervised and will receive high quality training both from CILEx and the BBC group legal teams.
Who are you looking for?
This opportunity is open to anyone aged 18 or over with a demonstrable interest in a career in law and an interest in the BBC. We look for grades A to C in Maths and English at National 5s (or equivalent). Applicants will face other aptitude tests as part of the screening process. Please note that if you already have a degree or a further education qualification then this scheme is not open to you.
When can I apply?
Applications will open on 14th March. Please look out for details on the careers page of the BBC website here http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships
What is the salary?
Starting salaries for our apprentices are £16,905 (London) or £12,500 (outside London) Future career progression
The CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice is a recognised paralegal qualification in its own right. However, if you enjoy your studies and find that you want to do more after your paralegal trailblazer apprenticeship, then your CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice will act as the first year of your chartered legal executive studies, which can be attained over four more years’ study by distance learning with CILEx Law School.
