
National Apprenticeship Week – Foot Anstey highlights its apprentices

Apprenticeships have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many more favouring work-place learning. As apprenticeship learning gains traction in the region, we wanted to highlight some of the great apprentices for National Apprenticeship Week.
There are plenty of apprenticeships on offer from dental nursing to construction, apprenticeships are increasingly perceived to be good way to start a successful career.
We caught-up with some of our Foot Anstey LLP apprentices to ask about our apprenticeship schemes and what they mean to the firm.
Mark Gray, Professional Development Manager at Foot Anstey, said: "We support a range of different apprenticeships including legal, administration and specialist apprenticeships, such as Marketing. Our apprentices' learning is accelerated by putting their new skills and knowledge into action in their day-to-day roles. By the end of the apprenticeship, they have the skills they need to be successful in a modern workplace.
"Being able to offer such a breadth of apprenticeships in areas across the South West is so important, not just for legal careers, but for all support functions as well. We have seen a rise in apprenticeship applications over the past few years and are pleased to play our part in nurture talent both in the firm and the region.
We have seen a rise in apprenticeship applications over the past few years and are pleased to play our part in nurture talent both in the firm and the region.
"Also, we've had the opportunity to support charities with unspent levy funds, and we recently worked with Bristol-based Empire Fighting Chance to fund a 13-month Fundraising Apprenticeship Course for one its apprentices."
Amber Booth recently completed her apprenticeship at the firm and is now working in a full-time role with the firm as a Junior Legal Support Assistant.
She commented: "I would recommend an apprenticeship because it enables you to gain valuable knowledge and experience simultaneously. At Foot Anstey I had support from my college assessor and colleagues that helped me complete my apprenticeship. By the end of an apprenticeship you gain not only an NVQ but you have also become a skilled and reliable part of a team.
"At Foot Anstey, there are always training opportunities and chances to further your career. Once I completed my apprenticeship, I had the choice of a job role or three other apprenticeships within law. The future is completely open as to how you want to tailor your career. The future for me, is to become a fully-fledged Legal Support Assistant."