Member Article

Teesside college launches new courses that make it easier to start your career in law

A Teesside sixth form college is helping to make it that much easier to kick start a career in law with the introduction of new part-time professional courses that are open to adult learners.

New for September 2018, SRC Bede Sixth Form in Billingham is just one of a handful of centres in the North-east to offer the Chartered Institute of Legal Executive (CILEx) courses at level 3 and 6. And one of the only colleges north of Leeds to provide the classes on a face-to-face basis.

SRC Bede’s Course Leader for Law, Peter Rowlands, said: “We are really excited to be able to bring this opportunity to Teesside.

“The CILEx courses offer another entry route into the legal profession and provide an alternative option for those students who are interested in working in law but don’t necessarily want to go to university.”

The introduction of the courses at the College in Billingham comes as significant changes are taking place in the legal profession.

Peter explained: “A new licensing structure introduced in July this year has now made it possible for trained legal executives to start their own businesses with non-lawyer ownership (Alternative Business Structures), while commercial organisations can now employ lawyers in order to sell legal services to the public.”

Opening up further opportunities for budding legal eagles across Teesside, the new courses at SRC Bede have been welcomed by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

Mayor Houchen said: “As a solicitor in a previous life I know how rewarding it can be to practise, but I have long stressed that university isn’t the only path to a career in law. Courses such as this show that opportunities for students to learn and follow their ambitions are continuing to grow in our area. Whether you’re a young person making decisions that will shape your future, or an adult looking to change your career path, the offering in the Tees Valley is only getting better.”

Also offering A level and A level equivalent qualifications in law, SRC Bede already has strong links with established law firms.

Course leader Peter said: “The legal profession is changing and we are delighted to now be able to offer CILEx courses alongside our existing law qualifications.”

What’s more students don’t have to have a background in law to secure their place on the CILEx level 3 course. They are required to have five GCSEs grade C/4 or above, including English Language.

However students will have to act fast to secure their place, SRC Bede Sixth Form is enrolling now for the Level 3 CILEx in Law and Practice starting this week or apply now for the CILEx Level 3 and Level 6 courses starting in January 2019.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Marie Turbill .