Apprenticeships as are unique as the individuals taking them; I was able to use mine to fit me perfectly by meeting my needs whilst also allowing me to learn and progress.

Challenges in Application process

My sixth form was university focussed; therefore, they didn’t provide me with any support/guidance. They discouraged me from applying for apprenticeships, so I independently researched into Legal apprenticeships via the Government website.

I first obtained a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at a Law Firm, however, due to Covid-19, I was laid off a month into my apprenticeship and employment. Although I was left devasted, I truly believe that when one door closes, another one opens. I realised I enjoyed working in the legal field, so I continued my search for apprenticeships, this time, a Legal apprenticeship. I was hesitant to commit to a 6-year apprenticeship as I still wasn’t 100% sure this was my perfect career, so I applied for a L3 Paralegal Apprenticeship at Broxtowe Borough Council, a local authority in Nottingham. I thoroughly enjoyed working in the Legal department at a Council so after completion, I’m now on a L7 Solicitor apprenticeship to further qualify.

My advice? Regardless of the setbacks, get back up and strive even further.

Unconventional Career Path

When you think of a Solicitor, you don’t usually think of qualifying as one through an apprenticeship and/or through a Public Sector, such as a Council. So why did I pick it?

The varied areas of law covered and a focus on providing services for the benefit of the Borough & community rather than billing private clients, aligned well with my values and morals after I left school. Alongside the range of exposure in Legal areas, I’ve also had a depth of understanding for Local Government/Politics and to be working in this from a young age is empowering and has made me the advocate I am as a future Solicitor and as a current apprenticeship advocate.

It was important I didn’t sacrifice my home life for my career due to my active role at home as the eldest daughter in a Pakistani household. My dad, being the only breadwinner, works long hours as a taxi driver, hence, I took on a parental/carer role by bringing up my younger siblings, helping my mum, assisting my dad with his accounts and English translation. Therefore, the flexibility and work-life balance the Council offers catered to me perfectly.

I’ve previously significantly struggled with my religious & cultural identity. It took me a while to accept myself and feel proud of my roots. Therefore, finding a career where I didn’t have to compromise my faith/culture again was paramount. Hence, my apprenticeship with the Council sees me as an individual, not a statistic.

Being the first in my family and social circle to even consider this, my family didn’t think I would succeed or achieve anything; let alone shape a career for myself. My dad came to this country 25 years ago and worked many jobs just to provide for us and ensure that we obtained a good education. Therefore, the apprenticeship was something he was hesitant on. However, they couldn’t be prouder seeing me shape career because of an apprenticeship and taking on complex cases as well as advocating at Court whilst still in training. Even my aunt has embarked on a Level 7 apprenticeship to upskill herself even further.

My advice? I’ve used my apprenticeship to break ceilings in my professional and personal life, so can others.

Learn whilst you Earn

With both apprenticeships, I’ve been able to earn a wage I never would have the opportunity to if I chose the ‘traditional’ university route. After A Levels, I didn’t want to continue with strictly books and studies with no practical experience; I wanted to learn by doing and better understand the theory by having the ‘hands on experience’. Whilst my peers went to university, I chose to walk alone on the path of apprenticeships which was the route for my success.

I began my career during lockdown and with also being the youngest member of the team, I was very nervous, and imposter syndrome was creeping in the back of my mind. However, my team welcomed me with open arms, and we would regularly have virtual meetings to substitute for in person contact due to the pandemic. I began with simple land law matters to now having 50+ cases with 10 different Client Departments. Working within a Council means I have exposure not only to a variety of different areas of Law but also the political and governance side too. For example, for the last 2 years, I’ve also been working the polling stations at Elections, giving a real flavour of the democracy in England. I love the variety of work at Local Government and so excited to continue progressing in my career.

I really wouldn’t be the person I am had it not been for apprenticeships. I’m passionate in providing guidance/support I wished I had, especially in communities where it’s not seen as a credible route. By joining East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, I’ve been able to do just that. I’ve been able to attend school/career fairs across Derbyshire, Nottingham and Lincolnshire to spread awareness and share my story to thousands of students and parents. I’ve recently launched an EDI group, called Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility (I.D.E.A) to diversify ambassadorial work to different communities from ethnic diversity to neurodiversity, etc. This will further equality/diversity within the apprenticeship awareness scheme and better cater to underrepresented communities.

It's so important students and aspiring apprentices can see someone they relate to. Representation matters because seeing yourself in the world validates your existence, inspires your potential and reminds you that you belong.

Advice to others

Success isn’t about the path you take – it’s about how far you go with it. With an apprenticeship, you have the best of both worlds. Choosing an apprenticeship isn’t ‘second-best’ or a lesser choice compared to university – it’s a different path for those who learn by doing and wish to get on the career ladder early.

Don’t shrink yourself to ‘fit in’ or go with the crowd. Follow your passions and don’t be afraid of choosing a path that is different to your peers. Be unique. Be you.

I would always advise those considering an apprenticeship to speak to current apprentices and employers who hire apprentices. Additionally, seek work experience at companies that have apprenticeship schemes to develop your understanding and so you can see for yourself if this is something for you.

Apprenticeships are competitive. But don’t let rejection discourage you, allow it to fuel you to strive even further and higher. Once you’ve obtained the apprenticeship you want, all that hard work will be worth it.

Good luck! 

Iqra Jaffary

Paralegal and Solicitor Apprentice at Broxtowe Borough Council

You can find out more and connect with Iqra on LinkedIn.