Meet the apprentice
Ava Mathias (she/her) RPC
Ava Mathias is a solicitor apprentice at RPC. She’s currently on client secondment.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I applied for apprenticeships alongside university to keep my options open. Throughout the application process, the apprenticeship route felt more secure as I’d have no student debt and wouldn’t have to apply for a training contract. I also like to learn practically, so working more days than I’m studying suits me better!
How have you found juggling work with your study days?
Monday is my study day, which means I can work uninterrupted from Tuesday to Friday. I try to avoid work emails on Mondays. Sometimes around exams, or when it’s busier, I find myself studying after work or on weekends but, generally, it’s a good balance. Good time management is important as there’ll always be competing demands – stay focused and commit to work and study.
What’s the qualification process like?
I completed a paralegal apprenticeship first, which was a nice introduction to working without the studying being too intense. I’m now in the second year of my degree with The University of Law. After I finish, I’ll do a two-year training contract and sit the SQE. The process will take about seven years, which isn’t much longer than the ‘traditional’ university route. Plus, there’s no student debt!
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