A new solicitor apprenticeship scheme, claimed to be the first in the travel industry, is being introduced by Tui.
The programme, being run with the University of Hertfordshire, will combine on the job training, real legal work experience and academic learning.
Applications for two successful candidates initially are open from today and close at the end of the month.
The scheme will take around six years to complete. It is designed to equip candidates with detailed legal knowledge and the ability to practice the law and use that knowledge in a commercial environment.
Most people applying are expected to be those finishing their A Levels.
Tui also hopes to receive applications from people of any age and background who may want a change of career.
Tui UK and Ireland general counsel Pete Baxter said: “We’re really excited to be able to offer such a fantastic opportunity to train to become a solicitor without the infamous and highly competitive search for a training contract and the added bonus of earning while you learn rather than just accumulating student debt.
“At the end of the six years the course is designed so that the apprentices are fully rounded solicitors who also understand the commercial environment.”
The company’s HR director Caroline Kitcher added: “We’re really excited to be able to build on the work we’ve already achieved around recruiting and supporting apprentices and offering ways to earn while you learn.
“We think this is a great way to be able to broaden the career options available to a wide range of people within the exciting world of travel in addition to our newly launched Tui management degree apprenticeship.”
Tui announced 2,000 new apprenticeship opportunities by 2020 two years ago.
The travel company pledged to create new schemes across its engineering, IT and retail arms to grow and develop talent.
It also announced an industry-first pledge to develop a pilot apprenticeship standard and the UK’s first degree-level apprenticeship in the travel sector in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire.
More than 5,500 apprenticeships have been offered by Tui in the UK since 2000.
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