Becoming a solicitor
Work-based learning pilot
Last updated 18 November 2009
[See information for firms]
Pilot volunteer information
We began piloting a new framework for work-based learning (WBL) in September 2008. We selected a small number of people and organisations to take part earlier in the year.
Our Work-based learning handbook (PDF 23 pages, 124K) contains a description of the roles that individuals and organisations in the new system will carry out, including those of the external candidate. External candidates are people undertaking work-based learning but are not serving under a training contract.
If you or your employer have any queries about the process, please email wbl-pilot@sra.org.uk or telephone the Policy Team on 0870 606 2555 ext. 3460.
2009 cohorts
We are no longer accepting applications from potential candidates for a place on the pilot.
Pilot firm information
We began piloting a new framework for work-based learning in September 2008. We worked with a small number of firms to develop and approve new learning and assessment strategies. These firms are now operating their strategies on part or all of their September trainee intake.
Reference documents for participating firms
The handbook contains a description of the roles that individuals and organisations in the new system will carry out. It also contains the "Work Based Learning Outcomes" that will form the core of the learning and assessment.
We have updated the handbook again, to allow for the running of the new cohort. We have
- clarified the role of the candidate, and the difference between Internal and External approaches,
- clearly set out eligibility criteria for candidates,
- defined what we mean by legal work (useful for people in paralegal positions).
The evaluation methodology (and the guidance note) sets out what we expect from work-based learning providers, or "assessment organisations". You can use it to help you design structured learning and assessment programmes.
If you have any queries about the project and what the pilot involves, please email wbl-pilot@sra.org.uk or telephone the Policy Team on 0870 606 2555 ext. 3464.