STUDENTS considering an alternative to university could take advantage of a new legal apprenticeship scheme.

Law firm Stephensons Solicitors is offering a range of legal apprenticeships.

The firm, which has offices across the north west, including Leigh, has taken on two young recruits, but has also created a number of apprenticeships in other departments.

Stephensons has 36 partners and more than 400 staff and London Apprenticeships allow students to gain a relevant qualification while earning a wage.

As well as working, apprentices are also given a day-release to study towards their qualification.

Stephensons has already recruited one legal apprentice. as well as a PR apprentice, but still has several apprenticeships on offer for A-level students who are interested in a career in law.

The firm has teamed up with other law firms in the region to offer 80 legal apprenticeships between them.

The scheme is part of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Employer Ownership of Skills initiative, which has secured £8.5m funding to tackle the skills gap across a number of sectors.

The firm has also created other apprentice vacancies in its probate, dispute resolution and clinical negligence departments.

Janine Turner, human resources manager for Stephensons, said: “We have always invested in developing the careers of our people.

“They are our greatest asset.

“We’ve been looking into offering apprenticeships for a while, and we’re delighted to be part of the new legal apprenticeship scheme.

“Apprenticeships offer a really credible alternative to university for young people who want to follow a fulfilling and rewarding pathway into a career in law.”