Bond Dickinson scoop Apprenticeship Award

Bond Dickinson, the legal firm, were last night named as the Newcomer Large Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards, which were held this year at Grosvenor House in London. 

The Awards, now in their thirteenth year, are run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognise excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

Bond Dickinson LLP is a full service law firm with seven offices across the UK.  They offer an innovative and socially inclusive employment pathway which supports their succession planning and colleague retention.

Bond Dickinson LLP offers graduating apprentices permanent roles as paralegals and benefits include mentoring and supervisory opportunities.

On accepting the award, Sam Lee, Head of Recruitment at Bond Dickinson LLP, said: “We took on apprentices because it was the right thing to do; for social mobility, improved staff retention and for the future of our business. But what’s amazed us most is how well the apprentices have performed, they still surprise us every day.

“Recruiting apprentices as paralegals allows us to attract smart, enthusiastic and engaged people into law – people that never previously would have thought a career in law was for them, or even possible. We’re committed to continuing our apprenticeship scheme and building on it in the years ahead.”

The ceremony also saw Bond Dickinson LLP named in the  Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list. The list, which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service, sponsored by Centrica, recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices. 

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said: “Congratulations to Bond Dickinson LLP Ltd for your success in this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards, which have showcased so much inspiring talent, dedication and ensures that apprenticeships get the prestige they deserve.

“I am always proud to see how many employers and apprentices get involved in apprenticeships across the country, helping to give a ladder of opportunity to people and deliver quality skills for employers. I hope your involvement encourages others to do the same to ensure social justice for all.”

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