Government approves probate apprenticeships

A group of probate practices and experts have had their application to develop an apprenticeship in probate granted by the government, as part of the trailblazer 3 scheme.

The consortium is made up of the following members: the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), CLT International, Conveyancing Expert, DC Law, Goddard Dunbar & Associates, Goodwills Legal Services, Irwin Mitchell, Kings Court Trust, Michelmores, Mowbray Woodwards Solicitors, Stratega Law and Withy King.

The trailblazer initiative was launched in October 2013 and invites employers to develop apprenticeships. Over 700 employers across 37 sectors have had their applications approved and are currently putting apprenticeships in place.

Sheila Kumar, chief executive of the CLC said: "The CLC is delighted to be supporting another apprenticeship trailblazer. It is an important part of our commitment to widening access to the legal profession and ensuring there is a good supply of well qualified individuals to meet client demand."

Nick Boles, minister for business, innovation and skills commented: "I congratulate the probate practitioner's trailblazer for the key role it is playing in developing new top-quality apprenticeships. Through the trailblazers initiative organisations like the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, in collaboration with their industry partners, will give people the skills they need to thrive and our businesses need to compete.

"There has never been a better time to do an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships give you the experience and top-quality training you need to get the career you want."

Trailblazers are groups of leading employers within a sector working together to develop new apprenticeship standards for occupations, with the aim of ensuring that every apprentice in England is enrolled on a scheme that has been designed and approved by employers.

Business secretary Vince Cable said: "Across the country apprenticeships are a driving force behind getting young people the skills that employers want and the economy needs.

"Our reforms have empowered businesses large and small to design and deliver world-beating apprenticeships that offer a real route to a successful career."

Binyamin Ali is assistant editor of Private Client Adviser