Derby-based Right Legal Group has gained recognition for fostering entrepreneurship through its apprenticeship programme, receiving the Employer of the Month award from Learning Unlimited.
The legal specialist was nominated for its commitment to providing a genuine career pathway to young talent; giving apprentices the opportunity to progress from intermediate level through to higher apprenticeships.
“We are thrilled to receive this award and be recognised for our work in developing apprentices,” said Managing Director, Carrie Caladine. “We are passionate about developing young talent. For us, it’s about spotting potential and helping people develop their skills for the future. Afterall apprentices are our future.”
The Derby-based legal specialist has worked closely with Learning Unlimited Derby to recruit in excess of 20 apprentices so far, in roles across different areas of the business. The apprenticeship programme, which provides support and training to its apprentices through Learning Unlimited, aims to help sustain a pipeline of home-grown talent.
The programme has enabled the company to recruit high calibre apprentices that they can shape to suit the business, says Carrie. Each apprentice follows a structured training programme and are able to work towards their qualifications and on successful completion have the chance to progress further within the company.
“Spotting potential and developing young talent is key to the success of any business,” she added. “Investing in our own talent and offering employees opportunities to develop here with our company is really important to us. We are all about attitude rather than aptitude. It’s about finding the right people that we know will fit in with our company culture and enabling them to grow and flourish.
Handing over the award, Wendy Taylor, Business Development Consultant at Learning Unlimited, said: “We are delighted to present this award to Right Legal Group for their dedication to their apprenticeship programme. It is good to work in partnership with a company that truly invests in its employees.”
Head of Partner Operations, Connor Hewitson, Derby:
The 26-year-old was given the opportunity to follow the Level 5 in Management and Leadership Apprenticeship. He manages a team that runs a network of 60 lawyers and his studies have allowed him to develop his own management skills further.
“It was the culture of the place that drew me to the role; it’s a great place to work,” he said. “What I love is the development potential at Right Legal Group. I was offered the opportunity about 18 months ago to do a Level 5 Management apprenticeship and it has opened up new opportunities for me. I am not naturally someone who learns well in a classroom setting. I’m more of a practical learner so this way of learning suits me perfectly. And everything I learn as part of my studies can be used within my work and provides me with guidance and tips on how to make things work more efficiently.”
Case Administrator, Tom Ward, 20, Nottingham:
“I joined Right Legal Group only in April. I was excited to get the role as an apprentice but now I’m here it’s even better than I expected as I’ve been able to get involved – really involved – in real work; not just photocopying and small tasks that you might imagine. I’m learning a lot and I am enjoying it. I had a fascination to work in the legal sector and this has given me the opportunity to work in a great place, whilst also learning too. Everything I do on my course is useful to my job too.”
Data Creation Executive, Leanna Palmer, Derby:
“I joined the company two years ago and was made to feel welcome as soon as I arrived. It’s a good place to work and I have learned so much in that time. I’m doing a Level 3 in Business Administration, which helps me carry out my job as I input physical documents into the system and maintain records. My apprenticeship has given me the chance to learn so much and I’ve become more confident in my work. I love working here. I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.”
Customer Experience Team Leader, Jack Burton, Derby:
The 24-year-old joined the company in 2015 after completing apprenticeships in sales and while with Right Legal Group has been able to study for a Level 3 apprenticeship in Management. He’s been able to progress his career with the company is now Customer Experience Team Leader, with responsibility for a team of 10 who together deal with respond to incoming enquiries from customers as well as deal with outbound calls.
“There have been huge benefits to my apprenticeship and I couldn’t recommend it enough. I’ve learned whilst carrying out my job and I know that everything I’ve studied has been useful in my day to day role. What I found useful was having a dedicated person from Learning Unlimited to support me during my studies and has been with me every step of the way and motivated me when I needed.”