As the legal profession evolves, aspiring solicitors are turning to solicitor apprenticeships. These programmes offer a practical and supported way to train solicitors. With the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), becoming a solicitor no longer depends on a traditional university path.
Instead, structured programmes like Datalaw’s Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship combine academic preparation with hands-on legal work. At the centre of this approach are two powerful tools: interactive workshops and dedicated one-to-one coaching. These tools help with training solicitors through real-world experience, practical knowledge, and personalised support.
Graduate solicitor apprentice Alyssia Sableski, currently training at DPP Law, shared her experience in a recent video Q&A. Her story shows how transformative the right support structure can be.
Training Solicitors With Tailored Workshops
One of the standout features of the Datalaw’s law apprenticeships is the regular monthly workshops. These sessions are more than classroom lectures, they are interactive, engaging, and tailored to the demands of the SQE.
“The most beneficial part would be the workshops. I’ve had one of my favourite workshop leaders, his name is Connor, he’s brilliant and he was really good with asking us questions to get everyone talking…”
Workshops combine academic learning with peer interaction, helping apprentices not only build knowledge but also develop confidence. Breakout sessions encourage collaboration, and the relaxed, interactive environment reduces stress and fosters engagement.
“It adds an element of fun to it and less stress, so I’m usually quite relaxed when it comes to workshops… I’d like to say I’m slowly building friendships with people.”
This social connection isn’t just a nice extra, it plays a vital role in mental well-being and motivation. As apprentices train to become solicitors, having a support network of peers who understand the journey can make a significant difference.
Real SQE Preparation, Not Just Theory
Workshops also deliver essential exam preparation, using practice materials and formats designed to mirror the SQE.
“The apprenticeship has helped me with the SQE, especially with workshops, they give us a lot of practice questions, which are the same format as the SQE.”
This format helps apprentices become familiar with the types of questions they’ll face in the real exam and gives them an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a safe, supportive environment.
“Every session we have four or five lots of practice questions that we do throughout the day. And I’d like to think I’m doing quite well on them. I’m getting quite a few answers right, but then when I do get an answer wrong, they do explain it really thoroughly to us.”
This immediate feedback is a major advantage over independent study. Apprentices leave each session not just with more knowledge, but with a clearer understanding of how to improve.
The Power of One-to-One Coaching
Alongside workshops, one of the most valued aspects of the programme is one-to-one coaching. Each apprentice is assigned a personal coach who supports them throughout their journey.
“She is brilliant, her name is Paige, she’s amazing… she’s really supportive and we just have lovely chats and like figuring out what my goals are and navigating through what I need to achieve for my SQE.”
This personalised guidance offers structure, motivation, and clarity. It’s especially helpful for learners balancing full-time work with study. Coaches help set goals, review progress, and offer tailored advice to help apprentices train more effectively.
Having regular check-ins helps keep momentum high and ensures that apprentices don’t fall behind. Unlike self-study or distance-only courses, the apprenticeship structure provides a steady rhythm of feedback and encouragement.
A Supported Path to Becoming a Solicitor
Alyssia contrasts her experience with that of friends who are preparing for the SQE through other routes, highlighting just how valuable this support has been.
“I have friends who are doing the SQE as well and they’re just not getting as much support, they’re drowning under all of the work and exam questions, but they’re not having the helping hands to guide them through it.”
The workshops and coaching don’t just teach content, they help manage the pressure and workload that come with studying law while working full time.
“Compared to my friends who are doing it with different courses, a lot of them are really struggling with how underwater they are… and I’m here with Datalaw, and I’m in a really comfortable position…”
This confidence, Alyssia says, is rooted in the structure and support Datalaw provides through the apprenticeship.
Why It Works
Graduate apprenticeships are not just about passing the SQE. They’re about training future solicitors with the right balance of academic knowledge, workplace experience, and personal support.
Through engaging workshops, exam-focused practice, and dedicated coaching, apprentices are given the tools not just to qualify, but to thrive in legal practice. They’re building the skills, confidence, and resilience that solicitors need, before they even take the exam.
Ready to Train as a Solicitor?
If you’re looking for a route that supports both academic success and career growth, Datalaw’s Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship offers everything you need. From practical training and expert coaching to real-world legal experience, this is more than a qualification, it’s your pathway to becoming a confident, capable solicitor. Register your interest to receive more information about your route to qualifying as a solicitor through a law apprenticeship.
Discover more of our Legal Updates.
