BPP Law School boosts students work experience with revolutionary scheme
9 March 2010
Work placements are acknowledged as vital to enhancing students’ skills. But according to a CBI report*, many students who take part in placements do not receive a briefing, do not have specific learning objectives set nor receive feedback, negating the benefits. BPP’s revolutionary work experience scheme sets out to change this.
Available to all Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) students starting at BPP Law School in Manchester and Leeds in September, the scheme comprises of a variety of work related experiences and support – including a placement at a local firm, chambers or organisation.
The purpose of the scheme is to give students transferable skills that are crucial for the legal work place, such as: oral communication skills; teamwork; client care; office etiquette and ethics; commercial awareness and networking.
As well as a work placement, students receive a talk and support from practitioners at a local firm on how to get the most from the experience, and a follow up workshop on how to use it to full effect – by reflecting on what they have learned, the skills they have developed and what further steps they need to take to prepare themselves for formal vacation placements and training contract applications.
Students also participate in commercial awareness workshops, pro bono training and activities, and hear from the Junior Lawyer’s Division and Manchester Trainee Solicitor Group on “Dos and Don’ts in a legal environment”.
Kathryn Smith, who took part in the pilot scheme last year, said:
"I had a placement at Simpson Millar and had a really fantastic day. The firm was already on my list for places to apply to regarding a training contract so it was great to have the opportunity to get an inside perspective."
This year, the scheme is supported by a range of law firms and organisations, including Addleshaw Goddard, Berg Legal, The Crown Prosecution Service and Mills & Reeve.**
Peter Crisp, Chief Executive of BPP Law School said:
"There is no doubt that work experience is a prime way for budding lawyers to get ahead of the job queue, but many education institutions and employers have been slow to catch on. By guaranteeing placements, we can ensure our students who have no previous work experience have something tangible to put on their CV. And, by designing the scheme so that participants get all the support they need, students are more prepared and therefore more 'useful' and actually add value when they attend firms for their work placement."
For more information or to book a place, contact the Admissions team on 0845 077 5566 or email admissions@bpp.com.
Ends
For further information and general media enquiries contact:
Mallory Dees, Press Office Tel: 0207 633 4542. Email: mallorydees@bpp.com
Notes to Editors
*From 2007 CBI report Time Well Spent: Embedding employability in work experience. Link: http://www.cbi.org.uk/pdf/timewellspent.pdf
** See below for the full list of organisations supporting the BPP GDL Work experience:
Leeds
Addleshaw Goddard
Clarion Solicitors
Crockett & Co
Lyons Davidson
Mills & Reeve
Plexus Law
Simpson Millar
McCormick's Solicitors
Ward Hadaway
Manchester
Berg Legal
The Co-operative Financial Services (CFS)
The Crown Prosecution Service
Farleys Solicitors
Glaisyers Solicitors
Kuit Steinart Levy
About BPP
BPP Law School is part of BPP College of Professional Studies, the first private sector, public owned company to be granted degree awarding powers by the Privy Council. BPP College delivers business and law programmes across seven schools, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, London (City, Holborn and Waterloo) and Manchester and has more than 5,500 students. For more information about BPP College please visit www.bppuc.com