Legal firm receives 'Outstanding Employer' award from Oldham College

AST Hampsons, Solicitors, have been presented with the prestigious 'Outstanding Employer' award by Oldham College.

This accolade recognises AST's commitment to investing in apprentices and fostering a culture of excellence in partnership with Oldham College.

Oldham College is celebrating the remarkable success and contributions of both apprentices and employers who work together to shape the future of our industry.

AST Hampsons have stood out as an employer dedicated to providing exceptional opportunities for apprentices, thereby contributing to the development of a brighter future for the firm and the legal profession.

Anna Murzell, Partner at AST, said: “In an era where succession planning is paramount but often overlooked, we are proud to make significant progress in cultivating the next generation of legal professionals through our Paralegal Apprenticeship programme with Oldham College.

"We are always eager to provide a supportive learning environment where apprentices can thrive, guided by mentors who are dedicated to nurturing talent and carving out clear career paths.”

The landscape of employment is evolving rapidly, yet not all employers consider succession planning as a priority.

In a bid to identify this gap, AST Hampsons are committed to fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals who will shape the future of the firm, thereby enabling and developing the provision of legal services to the local and wider communities.

Their innovative approach ensures that all team members of the future are equipped with the necessary expertise and experience to excel in their roles.

The allure of the Paralegal Apprenticeship lies in its accessibility and opportunity.

Unlike traditional routes, Hampsons' programme is open to individuals who may not have considered legal careers while in school.

This inclusive approach has created interest from young people eager to embark on a rewarding career path.

Since the early 2000s, AST apprenticeships have been instrumental in bridging the gap between education and employment.

The programme not only equips apprentices with practical skills, but also cements their abilities and skillsets, when passing down training and experience to new candidates from mentors who have been through similar journeys.

Transitioning to a career can be daunting for any young person. However, our programme offers a robust support system that ensures apprentices feel supported and confident in their journey towards professional growth.

Anna added: “Once qualified, our apprentices journey continues as they grow and develop their roles within the firm.

"We have found that this programme, when staged and progressed carefully can greatly improve the quality of the learners journey and success, aiding staff retention and as a result, greater continuity within the firm.

"We are hopeful that the apprentices of today, will be the Partners of our future."

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