Xaverian students are opening their eyes to the many exciting alternatives to university being offered by Higher and Degree Apprenticeship opportunities.
Xaverian students have traditionally progressed onto degree courses at university before they start their careers, but Temi Kila has chosen to go down the apprenticeship route with international law firm, Pinsent Masons, on a structured career path to become a qualified paralegal. Temi commented: “I chose to do an apprenticeship because it was an alternative route into law that meant I was getting valuable experience working alongside experienced professionals and a qualification that was paid for. I had initially applied for university, but I knew it wasn’t for me and wouldn’t give me the practical skills I needed to excel in a career in law.”
Temi, a former pupil of Wright Robinson College who gained A Levels in History, Psychology and Sociology at Xaverian, commented: “I chose to study at Xaverian based on excellent reviews from ex-students, plus I liked the topics that were taught within the subjects I had picked. It was also an inclusive college with a diverse mix of students from different backgrounds where I met lots of new friends.
“I found the topics covered in both Sociology and History to be really interesting and ones I enjoyed learning about. I loved the fact that the topics covered in Sociology were always relevant to society making it easier to understand, and we had many fascinating debates where we could bring our own experiences into the discussion.
“When I came towards the end of Year 13, I spoke to the college’s careers team who helped me to find suitable apprenticeships, and they supported me to do well in interviews when previously I had been unsuccessful.”
Temi was keen to start working whilst also continuing her studies at a higher level and chose the higher apprenticeship at international law firm, Pinsent Masons LLP within their Vario practice group because it offered an introductory route into law with the option to remain a qualified paralegal or progress onto the solicitor apprenticeship at the end of the two years. Temi said: “I chose Pinsent Masons because of its reputation of having a positive work environment for its employees. Its approach to mental health and promoting a work ethic that every employee should enjoy their job, has made me enthusiastic about every day I spend here!”
Temi currently works in the Finance and Projects department and works closely with the law firm’s solicitors, assisting them on legal matters and real legal transactions, and said: “I also work on related tasks like drafting articles or tracking legislation changes which we call Business Development. I am also studying the Paralegal Apprenticeship Standard at the University of Law and this will take two years to complete. At the end of the course, I’ll be a qualified paralegal meaning I can progress to become a Senior Paralegal and eventually a Paralegal Manager. Alternatively, I could join the Solicitor Apprenticeship for five years and become a qualified solicitor.
“Being at Xaverian has helped me a lot. It has improved my social and academic skills and given me the confidence to pursue my career goal of working in law. The Apprenticeship at Pinsent Masons has been the perfect start to my career, and I’m really excited about the future and where it will take me.”