National Apprenticeship Week: Skills for Life

As we look towards National Apprenticeship Week this year, it provides a timely chance to reflect on my journey as an apprentice at Band Hatton Button and in particular this year’s focus of ‘Skills For Life’.

Firstly, it goes without saying that I am incredibly fortunate to be working for a Firm that sees the importance and places such a strong emphasis on developing young talent. From the very start, I have felt nothing but supported by my colleagues and mentors who daily help me grow in both a professional and personal capacity and there is no doubt that the Firms deep rooted culture of inclusion has been a major motivator for me.

One of the first key skills I learned working as an apprentice at Band Hatton Button was how to balance knowledge with application. As a Kinaesthetic learner being provided the opportunity to work on real cases, drafting documents and assisting with client meetings at an early stage of my career gave me hands-on experiences that have helped me understand the intricacies of the legal profession, far beyond what I personally could have been capable of in a classroom.

To be able to witness first hand the application of the taught knowledge, whether that be watching my colleagues or practicing myself, gave me the chance to see immediately how what I was learning is applied in the real world.

Technical skills aside I have also developed essential life skills such as effective communication, time management and problem-solving skills. It was clear from the beginning of my time at Band Hatton Button that in order to form a successful career in the industry these skills would be essential as well as having the ability to think critically and adapt at a moment’s notice to changing circumstances. Skills which I continue to build on a daily basis.

It is fair to say that my time as an apprentice has been nothing short of a transformative experience. Not only have I gained invaluable legal knowledge throughout my short career thus far, but I have been provided the opportunity to develop practical skills along the way that will serve me throughout my life.

I am incredibly grateful to Band Hatton Button for providing me the opportunity and I can’t wait to see where the Journey takes me next.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I wholeheartedly recommend it. The skills and experience you will pick up along the way not only serve you in your professional life but in all areas of your life. I look forward to reading the testimonies of other apprentices throughout the week and wish all those whether considering or undertaking an apprenticeship the best of luck.

Happy National Apprenticeship Week!