Aspiring legal executive returns to his roots to inspire pupils to consider Apprenticeships

Luke Mullen, 27, is part of a team of Apprenticeship Ambassadors selected by the Welsh Government to promote the benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship, in the run-up to National Apprenticeship Week.

The apprenticeship ambassadors have been touring the country encouraging young people in schools across Wales to consider following the apprenticeship pathway and take up one of a huge variety of apprenticeship roles that are available.

Luke joined New Law in a call centre role but knew that he needed to gain practical skills to further his career. He has since been promoted, after undertaking an apprenticeship in providing legal services with specialist training provider ACT and CILEx Law School.

He returned to Cwmcarn High School to explain to pupils in Years 10 and 11 how the apprenticeship had given him the practical skills he needed to set him on the pathway to a successful career.

Luke told pupils at his former school that while working in the call centre, he was told by the Employee Development team about the apprenticeship programme, and applied to do a Level 3 Providing Legal Services Apprenticeship with ACT and CILEx Law School

During the apprenticeship, Luke worked as a claims handler and was able to learn from other more experienced colleagues. Since completing the course, he has now been promoted to case assistant handling Personal Injury Claims in the Occupational and Public Liability Team

Luke explained, “I was working in the First Response Unit as a claims handler at New Law Solicitors when I was made aware of the apprenticeship programme, so I applied and went through the interview process and got a place. I figured that it was my best chance to progress and get promoted.

“I have always been a confident person, but this has given me the skills, knowledge and the accreditation to back that up! The best thing I’ve gained from the experience is progression into a ‘Fee Earning’ role, which I never would have been able to do before.”

Luke now hopes to progress with his learning by qualifying as a legal executive, and plans to use his experience to inspire more young people. He added:

Going back to my old school after ten years was a strange experience and I was able to catch up with old teachers. It was a really good experience, and it made me realise how important it is to continue my work with Inspiring Futures.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, said: “There are so many options available for young people these days, it is more important than ever to make sure that they are being given all of the support and knowledge they need to make an informed decision about their future.

“An apprenticeship offers a fantastic opportunity for an individual to acquire valuable skills and qualifications and, at the same time, experience the demands of the workplace. Luke and the other ambassadors are great examples of how an apprenticeship can improve the knowledge and confidence of a young person which can only benefit them as they embark upon their future career.”

Luke was joined by his training provider and mentors, Bethan Jones of training provider ACT, and his employer Rebecca Shand from New Law who also spoke.

The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.