09.02.21
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2021 (8- 14 February), we are showcasing some of our apprentices at Lifestory and learning more about how their apprenticeships are shaping them for a rewarding career in their chosen paths.
Grace Hardy, 20, is our Paralegal Apprentice working in our legal team who has been with us since 2018 when she joined the company on a business administration course. Alongside her practical, on-the-job experience with the team, she is studying to complete a CILEX Level 3 Certificate in Law & Practice.
What inspired you to choose this career?
Following my college education, I wanted to look into opportunities where I could work and learn at the same time, so I started looking into apprenticeships and came across the business scheme with Lifestory.
My business course has allowed me to build up skills which I could carry on into many career choices. Since I was young, I have always had an interest in law, and from finding the work in the legal team at Lifestory interesting, I decided that a law specialism was the right next career choice for me.
What are some key skills and achievements gained during your apprenticeship?
My apprenticeship has been great in a sense that I can apply all the theoretical law study that I am doing in practice in my job.
I have successfully implemented law topics like Contract Law, Legal Research, Client Care and Civil Litigation when I am doing various task like drawing up contract packages and letter or dealing with solicitors’ enquiries.
I have also developed as an individual throughout my working life and have become more knowledgeable and confident in my interpersonal skills and have become more adept at communications and time management.
How has Lifestory helped you during your apprenticeship?
Lifestory and my direct team have been so supportive with helping me understand the specifics around the different law topics which was a great way to get started in my studies. They have provided me with a set study day once a week to also allow me to have time to keep up to date and complete my worksheets.
I have also been incredibly lucky to have been paired with some other apprentices from Osborne & Clarke, a law firm that we work closely with. Being paired with other peers has helped me with matters that I do not understand fully, and share learnt knowledge, best practices, and ways of working with each other.
Would you recommend apprenticeship programmes?
I would 100% recommend apprenticeship programmes to others as it is such a great way to study and learn on the job which is not possible when doing other study routes. The hands-on experience helps you understand your study subject and gain so much knowledge in such a short amount of time.
Where do you see yourself after your apprenticeship?
I hope that I get to stay at Lifestory after my apprenticeship as they are a great company to work for and I can see my career advancing further with them. I would also like to explore other law courses to increase my law qualifications and I am currently looking at the next options to further my career with my Lifestory team.
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“Build the Future” is the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2021, taking place between 8 and 14 February 2021, aiming to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.