About this job

This post is a six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship within Legal Services, providing an entry route into the legal profession for candidates at the start of their career who are able to commit to a demanding programme of work-based learning and academic study. The apprenticeship combines practical experience across a range of legal work with university study leading to an LLB and preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, with the aim of progressing towards qualification as a solicitor subject to successful completion of all programme and regulatory requirements. This role will involve supporting the operational functioning of the service whilst learning and developing the key skills and experience required for a solicitor.

Special requirements for this post

Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English and Maths. And one of the following: <ul> <li>BBB at A level (120 UCAS points) or equivalent; or</li> <li>96–119 UCAS points plus a pass in the provider’s admissions test, subject to provider confirmation.</li> </ul> This vacancy is for the six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship route only. It is intended for applicants who do not already hold a degree and who meet the training provider’s entry requirements for this route. For enrolment on the Level 7 apprenticeship, applicants must also satisfy the applicable age-based funding eligibility in place at the start of the programme. The six-year route is therefore only available to candidates who meet that requirement.

About you

You will be required to attend university and participate fully in off-the-job training as part of the apprenticeship, including allocated study time in line with programme requirements. You will cover both contentious and non-contentious areas of law and will gain the knowledge needed to practice effectively, taking into account changes in the role and developments in the law. This role is therefore suited to applicants who can demonstrate strong academic potential, resilience, professionalism and a clear commitment to completing a long-term programme of study and employment.

About us

Barking & Dagenham is changing. It Starts Here. Think you know Barking and Dagenham? Think again. While this small corner of east London might have a reputation for needing development, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find active communities and a place that consistently punches above its weight. The borough is changing – and changing for the better. And It Starts Here. Yes, the borough has its challenges. But it’s on the cusp of something exciting. With one of the youngest populations in the country, ambitions are high and rightly so. 98% of our schools are rated Good or Outstanding and every year more of our talented teenagers get into Russell Group Universities and hotly sought after apprenticeship schemes. We have award winning parks, centuries old manor houses full of relics and artifacts you can go and see, and the ruins of one of Anglo-Saxon England's most powerful and wealthiest religious sites. We’re even bringing beavers and white storks to the borough to help rewild the local landscape and boost biodiversity. Over the past few years, we’ve been working hard to improve how we deliver services and support our community. From tackling inequality to making sure our services are the best they can be, we’re focused on what matters most to local people.  We’re creating the conditions for people to thrive - so everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, feel proud to call this place home, and be part of something bigger.   #ItStartsHere - with our streets, our schools, our neighbourhoods. And with your application to join our determined team who are passionate about doing what’s best for the future of Barking and Dagenham.  As an Investors in People Gold Award employer, we’re serious about supporting our staff. From flexible working, professional training and career development to wellbeing initiatives, we want our people to feel valued and supported in everything they do. Our values, known as <ul> <li>DRIVE, shape how we work: Deliver our best every day – and do what we promise</li> <li>Respond in a prompt, positive way to our community’s needs</li> <li>Inspire others with our attitudes and actions</li> <li>Value people for who they are and what they can do</li> <li>Engage with others to improve our resilience and flexibility We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.</li> </ul> We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Additional Information

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must meet both national apprenticeship funding rules and London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD) requirements. Please ensure you meet all the criteria below before applying. You must have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the three years immediately prior to the apprenticeship start date. Please note that time spent in the UK on certain visa routes does not count towards this residency requirement. This includes Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 4 (Student) and Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visas. Individuals currently on these visa types are not eligible to start an apprenticeship, regardless of how long they have been in the UK. EU/EEA nationals must hold EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Settled or Pre‑Settled Status. If you hold a visa, you must also have valid immigration permission covering the full duration of the apprenticeship, or evidence that you have made an in‑time application to extend your visa. You must be aged 16 or over on the apprenticeship start date. You must be able to complete the full apprenticeship programme and end‑point assessment within the agreed timeframe. If you require a visa, this must cover the full duration of the apprenticeship. You must also spend at least 50% of your working hours in England for the duration of the programme, including if you are working in a hybrid or remote role. Apprenticeships must provide substantial new learning. You must not already hold a qualification at the same or a higher level in a similar subject area. Your training provider will review your prior qualifications and experience, which may affect the length of the programme or your eligibility. In addition to the above, LBBD apprenticeship opportunities are open only to residents of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Care leavers from LBBD who meet the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and an Enhanced DBS check will be carried out on the successful applicant.

Available documents

JDPS 6-Year Solicitor Apprentice JDPS - 2026 Final.docx

6 Year Solicitor Apprentice