Using our SQE and online design expertise, this highly interactive and structured training is designed for passing the SQE. Through the four-year programme, we have designed the learning, curriculum and assessments to build towards the SQE exams. The learner journey also ensures there is a very clear and defined pathway to ensure the workplace evidence portfolio covers all the required apprenticeship standards.
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Solicitor apprenticeship programme
ONLINE AND FLEXIBLE 4-year solicitor apprenticeship PROGRAMME
The College delivers a full range of solicitor apprenticeship programmes. In 2026 the College are offering a new four-year solicitor apprenticeship programme for non-graduates. This programme develops aspiring solicitors without a degree, builds their study and legal skills and takes them through to passing SQE2. This unique programme accelerates the apprentices’ focuses on passing the SQE exams and offers personalised coaching to ensure that your apprentices receive the best possible legal training and support.
Our apprenticeship programmes are fully online and designed to integrate with your employees’ weekly work at the firm, recognising the demands on trainees’ time and support required for your clients. The flexible training that the College throughout the four years includes Study & Legal Skills, a Certificate in Law and SQE preparation training. The programme integrates this learning with 1-2-1 coaching and support to ensure full engagement, giving apprentices the best chance of passing the SQE exams. We also work closely with you as the employer, guiding you through the GSA registration processes and offering you excellent client service.
Why choose the college of legal practice as your solicitor apprentice training partner?
Online training programmes with no day out of the office offered by only one higher education provider
Regular meetings and tailored reports to share your GSA's engagement and progress on the programme
Timed feedback to assist in decision making on GSA's taking the right SQE exam sitting for them
Fees that include SQE1 re-sit and no additional costs
Collaborative approach to partnership and client service
Flexible weekly schedules of focussed learning
Excellent coaching and supervision from SQE experts
SOLICITOR APPRENTICESHIPS
Course overview
- 4-year programme for non-law graduates with Level 3 qualifications
The College of Legal Practice is a registered Solicitor Apprenticeship Provider and partners with employers to provide a flexible structured pathway for their apprentices to develop their legal and study skills, their legal knowledge and work their way through passing the SQE, whilst completing their workplace portfolio of evidence and gaining their Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
As your registered provider, we will deliver virtual training and coaching to the apprentices. This will not require them to go offsite to a campus on a designated day each week. Instead, the apprentice will complete their required training within the workplace, with the firm and apprentice running the training on a flexible basis.
Programme details
- Development of Study and Legal Skills.
- Graduate Certificate in Law: This Level qualification teaches apprentices the foundation areas of law that will give them a strong foundation for preparing for the SQE.
- SQE1 preparation: Apprentices join our 40-week SQE1 preparation training and take the SQE1 exam.
- SQE2 preparation: Apprentices join our 40-week SQE2 preparation training and take the SQE2 exam (the end point for the apprenticeship).
The programme includes initial contracting, learner assessment (functional skills assessment), Apprentice and Employer Supervisor induction and induction meetings with their coach.
Included in the programme:
Learning designed for the SQE:
Support from our experienced solicitor supervisors:
We give your apprentices high levels of personalised supervisor engagement and individual feedback on their performance throughout their training with us, plus through our online platform, your apprentices can access support throughout the week.
Individual coaching from experienced legal professionals:
We give your apprentice ongoing individual coaching throughout the programmes, working closely with both your apprentice and you as the employer. Our coaches have been trained and have a very strong understanding of the SQE national examination syllabus. We will endeavour to ensure the same coach works with you and your apprentices throughout the programme.
Flexible learning to weekly deadlines:
The training makes the best use of technology, providing options that fit around your apprentices’ work schedule. Much of the learning content is available online at any time, supporting your firm's commitment to work/life balance. Our technology allows us to provide accurate performance feedback to assist your apprentices and their employer/coach to give you an up-to-date view on progression.
Close collaboration:
We work closely with you to ensure we, together, identify and address any specific learning and development needs for your apprenticeships and help you manage the responsibilities of an apprenticeship employer. We will assist with all onboarding and place great emphasis on our excellent account management with you.
We are already working with several organisations and leading law firms to support their graduate apprenticeships through the SQE.
Why employ solicitor apprentices?
Here are some considerations when thinking about taking on a solicitor apprentice.
Increasing access to the profession:
Retention and Progression:
Tailored support for your SQE candidates:
Funding:
Programme Structure
The programme is very structured with a clear learner's journey and detailed engagement monitoring and reporting.
Initial diagnosis
The first step for your apprentice, once registered, is a full induction programme and diagnostic to understand where they are in terms of their legal knowledge against a clear set of competencies.
Study and Legal Skills
A six-month development programme supporting the apprentice’s growth in Thinking and Reasoning, Law, Society and Current Affairs, Research, Reasoning and Legal Tools, Communication, Ethics and Professionalism and Reflection and Transition to Legal Study.
Graduate Certificate in Law
A 40-credit Level 6 programme covers the foundation areas of law. The modules include Legal System and Skills; Fundamentals of Crime, Contract, Tort, Land, Public, Trusts).
Preparation for SQE1 and SQE2
The training for SQE1 and SQE2 is through guided learning and live support sessions from the College’s supervisors. Weekly deadlines are set for completion of units of learning, and seminars, information sessions, personal supervision and feedback sessions are all offered virtual in short sessions across the week.
The detail of the structure of this training can found on our SQE1 and SQE2 preparation course pages.
SQE Assessment
The programme is structured to fully prepare the apprentice for the SQE. The apprenticeship must pass SQE1 to continue the apprenticeship scheme. After passing SQE1, SQE2 is taken at the end of their second year – the end point assessment for their apprenticeship.
Should your apprentice not pass SQE1 first time, they can look at one resit, as part of the programme at no additional cost.
Coaching
Throughout the course the apprentices will have their coach by their side. They will act as a support contact throughout the programme, consistently advising them and monitoring their progress. The coach will also help build a portfolio of workplace evidence and meet with their line manager every 12 weeks.
Course details
Admissions Criteria - 4-year programme
Candidates must hold
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs, including Mathematics and English, with grades C or above (or equivalent). For those who obtained qualifications in 2017 or later, a grade 4 or above is required.
- One of the following:
- At least 3 A Levels (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C.
- Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in a relevant field, such as Business Administration or Financial Services.
- Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship or CILEX qualification
- If English isn’t your first language, you need qualifications equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 6 in each component (writing, listening, speaking, reading). However, if you possess a qualification equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree taught in English, you may be exempt from this requirement.
Course options
4-year programme, including Legal & Study Skills, Graduate Certificate in Law, SQE1 and SQE2 training and assessments: 8-10 study hours per week
Timing
The College is running its first 4-year programme in Spring 2026
How to Apply
If your organisation would like to apply for an apprenticeship programme place with the College, please submit an expression of interest form. (this will be added once set up)
Please contact us to if you are interested in this opportunity and we can arrange a discussion at your convenience.
contact us