Kapila: Reforms would be a step backwards
Lawyers and training providers have expressed alarm at the prospect of the government removing funding for level 7 apprenticeships, like the solicitor offering.
They said it could represent a step backwards in social mobility in the profession.
Earlier this autumn, ministers announced a new growth and skills levy to replace the existing apprenticeship levy, introducing new foundation apprenticeships and shorter apprenticeships too.
They said employers would be asked to “rebalance their funding” for apprenticeships in favour of younger apprentices, and to fund more level 7 apprenticeships – equivalent to a master’s degree “and often accessed by older or already well-qualified employees” – outside of the levy.
Damar Training runs a solicitor apprenticeship programme with legal exam preparation provider BARBRI.
A report by Damar included a survey of 110 apprentices, showing how the scheme improved social mobility – 35% received free school meals, 94% attended a state school, 73% did not have a parent who went to university, and a third came from working-class backgrounds, figures significantly higher than the wider solicitor profession.
Nearly 90% of the apprentices worked outside London. Over 70% of employers were in-house or public sector teams, or were smaller law firms with annual payrolls of less than £3m.
The report described the objectives of the government’s reform as laudable, including the desire for employers to invest more.
But Damar cautioned against the idea that, because the solicitor apprenticeship was popular amongst employers, removing funding would not discourage them from paying for apprenticeships or other training.
It said: “A few may pay. But will they be our local councils, the in-house teams, the smaller, medium-sized and regional firms, the high street practices serving our local communities and businesses, all of whom struggle to attract and retain talent and many of whom are facing their own funding pressures?
“Will the largest firms still be able to invest at current levels in ambitious, six-year programmes and fund outreach activities in local schools and disadvantaged communities, activity that has contributed to law firms accounting for 31 of the top 75 employers in the 2024 Social Mobility Index?”
The risk was of a return to “a two-tier system where those in the second tier manage to take a vocational or apprenticeship route to technician level, but only the most fortunate progress further”.
Jonathan Bourne, managing director of Damar Training, added: “Solicitor apprenticeships are opening doors for talented individuals who might otherwise be excluded from the legal profession. We hope the government will recognise this and work with the sector to find ways to keep these pathways accessible to all.”
Lucie Allen, managing director of BARBRI, said: “We understand the tough funding choices facing the government but also see the value of the solicitor apprenticeship’s role in contributing to economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity.”
Rhicha Kapila, partner and chief operations officer at London law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, told Legal Futures: “We are concerned over the impact the level 7 funding reforms will have on how many apprenticeships we can offer, and the impact on social mobility in the profession more widely.
“We currently offer four apprentices under this scheme, and it helps us support our key values, and grow an inclusive and diverse workforce.”
She argued that withdrawing the funding would be “a step backwards”, explaining: “It will close doors for people who genuinely would struggle to enter the legal profession via the usual academic route.
“The idea of this route was to improve social and cultural diversity within the profession and apprentices were a positive step to achieve that.”
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