News and Press
Work experience leads to jobs for college students

Following a work experience programme with leading law firm TLT, two talented students from Weston College have gained full-time employment with the firm. 

TLT was seeking to provide meaningful work experience for students and contacted the college to ask students to formally apply for the positions. Several students were shortlisted and then interviewed and asked to give a five minute presentation.

Five students were selected to take part in an innovative 10 week work experience programme, giving them the chance to experience life with a Top 100 law firm, and two have been given a permanent full time job in the 180-strong Banking & Lender Services Group .

Over the past few months they have been working as office assistants, under close supervision, in a team servicing the firm's financial services clients.

Gareth Richards, curriculum manager for Professional Studies at the college, said: “TLT is a very prestigious firm. Its staff designed this mutually beneficial programme to give students real experience in a legal environment and to help them select the best upcoming students for their own recruitment.” He added: “All of the students taking part found it a demanding but enjoyable and interesting experience. It has given them a unique and invaluable insight into the profession.”

Former student Kerri Laws, who now works for TLT, said: “The support from the college when I was studying here gave me the confidence to go for the job at TLT – and I am really enjoying it!”

Matt Parker, TLT Human Resources Manager, said: “We became involved with the college because I was impressed by their enthusiasm, their open and honest approach and I felt confident working with them.” Explaining his decision to employ the students, he said: “I was impressed by the candidates; they were very enthusiastic, interested in the role, worked well with the team and delivered some excellent results.”

The students who took part in the programme were studying towards their Paralegal Diploma/ City and Guilds Legal Secretaries Level 2 and 3 qualifications. This one year course covers various areas of law in-depth such as wills, divorce, welfare benefits and housing, both landlord and tenant.

Several students are retuning to the college to continue their professional development through an evening course; ILEX Level Three Professional Diploma.