Funding Changes to SQE Solicitor Apprenticeships
In a significant development for the legal sector, Skills England is expected to implement changes that could affect the future of Level 7 apprenticeships, including Solicitor Apprenticeships. These changes, anticipated to take effect from April 2025, could substantially impact how law firms fund their trainee solicitors’ education and SQE preparation.
Current Apprenticeship Funding Landscape
At present, the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship scheme offered by our sponsors Datalaw, covers substantial financial support for legal training. Non-levy-paying employers can access 95% funding for their employees, while levy-paying organisations can utilise their existing contributions to cover training costs. This funding currently covers both the professional training and SQE examination costs, making it an attractive pathway for firms investing in future talent.
Impending Changes and Their Impact
The potential defunding of Level 7 apprenticeships represents a significant shift in legal education funding. This change could particularly affect smaller and medium-sized law firms that rely on the current funding structure to support their recruitment and training programmes.
Time-Critical Opportunity
With these changes looming, law firms are facing a critical window of opportunity. Datalaw have created a specialised Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship cohort for M arch 2025 to ensure law firms manage to secure funding under the current framework. Datalaw have responded to increased demand by expanding capacity for this crucial intake and are providing priority access to any Leeds Law Society members, though places remain limited.
SQE Funding Considerations
The potential changes to solicitor apprenticeship funding could significantly impact how firms approach SQE funding for their trainees. The current solicitor apprenticeship scheme provides a cost-effective route to qualification, covering both training and examination costs. Firms planning their future training strategies should think how these changes might affect their approach to supporting trainees through the SQE process and consider inquiring for apprenticeship funding whilst it is still available.
Free Webinar: Expert Guidance on Solicitor Apprenticeship Funding Changes
Law firms can gain deeper insights into these crucial changes by attending Datalaw’s free live webinar “Understanding SQE Solicitor Apprenticeships & Funding” on Wednesday 26th February from 1pm. This session will cover essential guidance on securing Solicitor apprenticeship & SQE funding before the potential changes take effect.
Strategic Planning for Law Firms
Law firms are advised to:
Looking Ahead
The legal sector is entering a crucial transition period as these funding changes approach. Firms who act now to secure apprenticeship funding will gain a significant advantage, enabling them to maintain their training programmes and manage SQE exam costs more effectively.Register now for the free live webinar ‘Understanding SQE Solicitor Apprenticeships & Funding‘ via the Leeds Law Society events page or direct booking link: https://pages.datalawonline.co.uk/understanding-sqe-solicitor-apprenticeships-funding/
Web
