A law firm in Kendal is investing in future lawyers as new business apprentice Jodie May Eldon joins the team.
Napthens, which has offices across the north west, has increased its staff numbers at its Kendal hub by seven, to twenty, including Ms Eldon.
The firm said this expansion is part of its 'long-term commitment' to its Cumbrian clients.
Ms Eldon, who attended Ripley St. Thomas C of E Academy in Lancaster, joined Kendal College to study a T-Level in business management and administration.
However, she didn't find the full-time course beneficial so she left to explore career opportunities through apprenticeships.
She discovered Napthens' apprenticeship scheme, part of the firm's emerging talent development programme, Flourish.
This scheme granted her the opportunity to gain hands-on practical experience while continuing to study at Kendal College one day a week.
Ms Eldon said: "I attend Kendal College for off-the-job training to study business because the course gives me the knowledge I need of business fundamentals that apply to my role at Napthens in Kendal.
"Napthens is genuinely a great firm to work for and my apprenticeship allows me to earn a wage while gaining a qualification.
"I’ve received great support and am truly grateful for the opportunity.
"I’ve become more confident in myself and appreciate that colleagues trust me to complete tasks independently.
"The whole experience is really rewarding, allowing me to work with professional people and gain invaluable work-based knowledge that I wouldn’t get on a full-time course."
Upon completion of her Kendal College course, she will be awarded a Level 3 business qualification and Level 2 IT diploma.
The apprentice said: "I’ve always been fascinated by law and since I was much younger, knew that I wanted to pursue a career in law.
"My ultimate goal is to become a solicitor and working at Napthens is helping me to shape my future."
Ms Eldon conveyed her appreciation for the support and guidance of Jamie Allison, partner and head of Cumbria and real estate at the firm.
Mr Allison said: "Engaging with and recruiting apprentices is vital for the successful and continued growth of a business like Napthens.
"Jodie ensures that the team runs smoothly in the office, she’s learning new skills on the job in a busy environment and quickly picked up the skills she requires to support us and our office needs.
"It’s not only about recruiting the next generation but about retaining talent, like Jodie, in Cumbria and providing the right training.
"Hiring business apprentices is crucial for law firms because it provides a way to develop a skilled and loyal workforce."
Napthens, in Bridge Mills, Kendal, provides a full-service legal offering to clients in Cumbria.
Its expertise spans various areas of law including rural, residential, and commercial property, litigation and dispute resolution, wealth management, family and divorce matters, wills and estate planning, employment and HR, leisure and licensing.
Mr Allison said: "The ongoing growth at Kendal proves that Napthens is among the most innovative and fastest growing law firms in the north west, retaining and attracting the best talent allows us to continue to deliver outstanding leading legal services to our clients.
“We’re proud of what we have achieved and how we help clients with their legal requirements.
"We’ll also be refurbishing our Kendal office, so these are genuinely exciting times for us.”
The firm recently welcomed nine new trainees, including two apprentices.
Simon Price, head of learning and development at Napthens, said: "Flourish has been co-created with lawyers and professional colleagues from across the firm.
"The Flourish curriculum enables our people to learn key business, financial, technical, digital and professional skills at the start of their careers and will enable them to flourish in their roles with the firm."
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