Apprenticeship funding cuts endanger diversity

By Laurence Besemer, CEO of FOIL and London Market FOIL

In Autumn 2024, the UK government revealed ambitious plans to reform its apprenticeship system, recognising its significant role in driving economic growth and facilitating access to careers in key sectors including clean energy. Central to these reforms is the introduction of the growth and skills levy, which aims to replace the existing apprenticeship levy alongside the creation of new foundation apprenticeships and shorter formats that promise increased flexibility for both apprentices and employers.

However, concerns have arisen within the legal industry regarding the proposal to eliminate funding for Level 7 apprenticeships, which includes solicitor apprenticeships. This move is seen as a potential re-establishment of class barriers historically associated with the sector, hindering opportunities for individuals from ‘non-traditional’ backgrounds in pursuing careers as solicitors. Legal professionals fear that "removing funding would negatively impact accessibility to legal services careers for many aspiring solicitors," as Richard Atkinson, Law Society President, pointed out.

Level 7 apprenticeships are equivalent to a master’s degree and have been crucial in fostering social mobility and diversity in the legal realm. These apprenticeships provide a six-year training programme at regulated firms, serving as a valuable alternative to the traditional university pathway, with apprentices still required to pass the Solicitor Qualifying Examination (SQE). Currently, funding through the apprenticeship levy covers all SQE training costs, allowing apprentices to allocate 80% of their time to work and 20% to studying for the SQE.

The recent government plans, however, threaten to reintroduce significant financial barriers for aspiring lawyers, making it increasingly difficult for young people to secure training contracts without the funds to cover up to £50,000 in university and associated costs. Since their inception in 2015, more than 3,000 individuals have utilised Level 7 apprenticeships to enter the legal profession, offering pathways previously inaccessible to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Industry research illustrates the success of the apprenticeship scheme in attracting underrepresented groups. Statistics from Datalaw reveal that 54% of apprentices are between 18-25 years old, with 42% coming from minority backgrounds and 34% hailing from disadvantaged areas. Additional data from Damar Training’s solicitor apprenticeship scheme underscores this trend, revealing that 35% of apprentices received free school meals, 94% attended state schools, and 73% identified as first-generation university students.

Despite these achievements, the withdrawal of Level 7 apprenticeship support raises alarms within the sector. The Law Society has expressed that such cuts could "adversely affect its international standing and hinder efforts to recruit from outside traditional channels." The potential repercussions of these funding cuts extend beyond aspiring solicitors alone, threatening to undermine efforts to enhance social mobility and inclusivity within the legal field.

While larger City firms might still be able to afford sponsorships, they represent only a fraction of the UK’s over 10,000 legal service providers. Smaller firms and local councils—vital entities that serve their local communities—risk facing dire consequences in the absence of adequate support. The proposed funding alterations could severely impact the legal sector’s capacity to promote diversity and access, drawing attention to the urgency of maintaining these essential programmes.

In conclusion, initiatives designed to bolster diversity and social mobility within the legal profession must be preserved. The sector collectively appeals to the government to reassess its plans regarding Level 7 apprenticeship funding for solicitors, as ensuring that careers within the legal field remain accessible, diverse, and reflective of society is imperative to securing the future of the profession.