Three former apprentices at an award-winning law firm are encouraging young people to look at apprenticeships as a way of getting into a career.

The three, Aidan Attaway (19), Emma Grieves (27) and Melissa Butler (28) all work in the private client department at Fidler & Pepper Solicitors in Mansfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield.

They are speaking ahead of National Apprenticeships Week (March 6 to 10), where young people are being encouraged to look at alternatives to full-time education such as college or university.

Aidan, now private client assistant, had started sixth form but felt it was not the right choice for him, as he wanted to work and study.

He said: “I’d always had an interest in business and so did some work experience at Fidler & Pepper before then starting an apprenticeship. I’ve been able to complete my NVQ (Customer Service level 2, Business Admin level 3 and IT level 3.

“I like the staff here, and I love helping people. Being an apprentice helped me because I got to learn and train, I got paid and I progressed. I hope to be a fee earner in future.”

Similarly, Emma, also a private client assistant, went to college but it was not for her, so she became an apprentice at the firm. She has now been with Fidler & Pepper for eight years and has completed NVQ Business Admin 2 & 3, Customer Service 2 & 3 and IT level 3.

She said: “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but knew it was office work. The apprenticeship was all about gaining experience and I felt I was supported and able to ask questions.”

Mel started her apprenticeship straight from school, as she wanted hands-on learning and the classroom environment was not for her.

Mel, who has now been with the firm for 11 years, said: “I support and train others now and this is what teamwork is all about. I am now a fee earner and love that I can develop and move on in my role.

“it’s a job that’s given me confidence and is a job where I’m comfortable to check what I’m doing is the right thing.”

Mel completed NVQ Business Admin 2 & 3, Customer Service 2 & 3 and IT level 3 and has now started a paralegal course, funded by Fidler & Pepper.

Wills and probate specialist Richard Howard is the partner who heads up the private client team.

He said: “As a firm, we have a commitment to offering apprenticeships as we see it as a business benefit. We are able to recruit people who love to learn and who we can train to our standards and using our processes. It’s a win-win situation.”

Fidler & Pepper Solicitors posts career opportunities, including apprenticeships, on its website www.fidler.co.uk

Pictured are Richard Howard (right) pictured with Aidan Attaway, Melissa Butler and Emma Grieves.