The Welsh Government should fund Level 6 apprenticeships to provide more routes into a high-level legal career and meet increased demand for legal services in Wales, says CILEX (The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives).
While funded legal apprenticeships are available at Levels 3 and 5, this does not extend to Level 6 qualifications, which are equivalent to degree level and are currently funded in England. CILEX says this presents a barrier to progression for those seeking to advance in legal and other professional services roles whilst remaining in employment.
The call adds to growing pressure around higher-level legal apprenticeship routes in Wales. The Law Society of England and Wales is separately campaigning for the Welsh Government to introduce funded Level 7 legal apprenticeships, including a route to qualification as a solicitor, bringing Wales closer into line with opportunities available in England.
Funded Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships have been available in England for more than a decade, while solicitor apprenticeships are not currently available in Wales. The Law Society has made their introduction one of its headline asks for the Welsh Government, arguing that the lack of provision restricts access to the profession and makes it harder for firms, particularly those in rural and high street communities, to develop and retain talent.
Level 6 study through CILEX leads to qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer, a senior position in the legal profession.
Building the legal workforce Wales needs
Responding to the Welsh Government’s skills audit, CILEX highlights Law Society figures showing 50% of the Welsh public experience barriers to accessing legal advice, while 85% of small and mid-sized law firms face challenges recruiting legal professionals.
Demand for legal services in Wales is particularly evident across local government, housing, planning, environmental regulation, social welfare and public law, with the regulatory complexity resulting from the development of devolved legislation a key driver. CILEX explained this is ‘creating additional demand for specialist professionals capable of navigating the distinct Welsh legislative framework’.
Other factors driving up demand for specialist lawyers include the need for legal professionals skilled in the use of AI, the growth of house building, proposed changes to the homebuying and selling process, and an ageing population requiring wills and probate advice.
This is exacerbated by an ageing legal workforce, with Law Society statistics showing 38% of private practice legal professionals in Wales are over 50, rising to 52% in rural Wales.
Higher-level apprenticeship funding, CILEX explained, would help employers meet the need for specialist legal services, enabling ‘cost-effective workforce expansion and enhancing service diversity through training in more niche areas of law’. Through apprenticeships, firms can ‘create a pipeline of specialist legal professionals based on regional demand’.
CILEX President, Sara Fowler, said:
“Legal services are an important element of the Welsh economy, both as a standalone industry but also as an enabler of growth, supporting public administration, business confidence and access to justice.
“As legal demand continues to rise, ensuring Wales has a sustainable pipeline of skilled legal professionals will be critical to meeting future workforce needs across both the public and private sectors. Funding high-level apprenticeships offers an opportunity to strengthen routes into the law and other professional occupations, giving aspiring lawyers from all backgrounds the chance to qualify whilst continuing to work.”
CILEX offers vocational qualifications through its CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) and delivers apprenticeships in Wales via other training providers.
