Tunbridge Wells law firm Cripps Pemberton Greenish has become one of the first law firms in the South East to recruit an apprentice solicitor under the Trailblazer Solicitor Apprenticeship scheme.

The five-year apprenticeship combines the classroom with on-the-job learning and will be delivered in partnership with BPP University Law School.

It will incorporate the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which launches in September 2021.

Rosie Harvey, who has just completed a two-year paralegal apprenticeship with the firm, will start her training this month.

Annabel Goh, emerging talent manager, said: “We have worked with BPP University Law School on other apprenticeships and are excited to be continuing our partnership with them.

"We look forward to working with Rosie over the next five years as she continues with her training.”

Gavin Tyler, managing partner, added: “This pathway is a really credible alternative for young people who feel, for whatever reason, that university isn’t the right route for them. I hope schemes like this will encourage more diversity in law.”

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent