Apprenticeships in action – our apprentices share their journeys

Apprentices bring fresh perspectives, diverse skills, and new energy to businesses, driving innovation and building a strong future talent pipeline. For individuals, they provide a valuable alternative to university, combining practical work experience with structured learning to kick-start a successful career.

Hear from some of our own apprentices as they share how they've built their careers and contributed to the firm’s success in their roles.

Willow Wood-Voisey, Legacy Assistant

Choosing an apprenticeship over traditional education was a personal decision for me, as I wanted a more practical approach to learning. I didn’t enjoy school, and full-time education at university just didn’t feel like the right path. The apprenticeship gave me the chance to learn while earning, which allowed me to build skills, gain experience, and work toward my future career goals.

The moment I felt confident enough to manage matters on my own was a huge milestone for me. It was something I never thought I’d be able to do, and I am incredibly proud of all the hard work that got me to that point. It wasn’t just about completing tasks - it was about developing the confidence and initiative to take ownership of my work. Every day was filled with opportunities to grow, balancing independent tasks and collaborative learning through meetings with supervisors, training sessions, and client work.

The structure of my day - managing my workload, seeking feedback, and taking ownership of tasks - helped me develop valuable skills and boosted my confidence. It not only gave me technical knowledge but also encouraged the initiative and self-assurance I needed to succeed and progress in my career.

Ciaran McLean, Client Development Executive

When I first started my apprenticeship, all I wanted was the opportunity to gain experience in a field that genuinely interested me. Looking back, I’m so glad I chose Foot Anstey, as the variety of work I’ve been involved in has been fantastic for my development.

As I worked through my apprenticeship, my working style has developed and the biggest change I’ve seen is the way I handle tricky or time-pressured situations. This is something I have struggled with in the past, but the guidance and support I’ve received at the firm has really helped me improve. I’ve learned to respond to these challenges with confidence, and now I’m able to manage them to achieve the best possible outcomes. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how much my approach has changed, and it’s made me more effective in my role.

I chose Foot Anstey because of the firm’s strong values. From the very beginning in the application process, I could tell that the values they spoke of were truly reflected in their day-to-day operations and that has remained true the whole way through. It’s been a perfect fit for me both professionally and personally.

Ollie Wilson, Senior Conveyancer

I chose an apprenticeship over other career paths because I was eager to start working and gain experience, rather than continuing with further studies. Although university was an option for me, I decided to defer my entry to explore alternative routes into the legal field. I had a backup plan in case the apprenticeship didn’t work out, but nine years later, I’m still with Foot Anstey. The combination of earning and learning was particularly appealing to me, especially as it allowed me to achieve financial stability at a young age. I also gained invaluable experience in conveyancing, which has helped me progress in my career and earn a competitive salary.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would say it’s an excellent way to enter the working world, whether you’re coming straight from school or making a career change later on. Apprenticeships offer the flexibility to progress in a legal career while also providing hands-on experience that employers truly value. It’s a pathway that allows you to learn and grow within the profession from the very start, gaining crucial technical expertise along the way.

Find out more about Ollie's experience

Taking the next step

If you’re considering an apprenticeship and interested in knowing more about what that involves why not:

• Visit: Our apprentice page where you'll find lots of advice and stories as well as some FAQs.
• Listen: Our latest episode of the Trainee Lowdown which focuses on taking an apprenticeship route into law
• Watch: Our virtual insight event recording for candidates interested in finding out more about our legal apprenticeship offering, the firm and the work we do.   

Apply for our Legal Apprenticeship programme

Applications are now open for our Legal Apprenticeship Programme, a five-year route to qualification for those without a qualifying law degree. We have four places available commencing in September 2025 and the application deadline is on Friday 28 February 2025.

Find out more and apply here