LAW firm Allen & Overy has recruited two IT apprentices on a two-year earn while you learn scheme led by the Department for the Economy.
Stacey Bryce and Didac Fernandez-Girona completed an intensive five-week boot camp, coordinated by Belfast Met College, before joining the firm’s Belfast IT team.
Now in its fourth year, the apprenticeship programme blends on-the-job experience with part-time study for a range of industry qualifications and certificates. All apprentices who have completed the programme have gone on to secure full-time roles within Allen & Overy.
Andrew Glenn, IT Support Team Leader, Allen & Overy said: “Bringing in apprentices from Belfast Metropolitan College has proven to be a positive experience for the firm, and the apprentices. We’ve gained a real energy within the team, the apprentices are full of enthusiasm and ready to learn.
We want them to succeed and grow their careers within the firm. It’s pleasing that that previous apprentices have gained roles with us.
“The calibre of applicants who put themselves forward for this apprenticeship has been extremely high over the past four years because talented people, like Stacey and Didac, recognise it as credible alternative to full-time study.
We wish them every success as they start their two-year apprenticeship with us.”
Apprentice Stacey Bryce added: “Opportunities to grow my personal and professional skills within a large organisation like Allen & Overy are rare. IT is delivered here on a global scale and I look forward to finding out more about the diverse roles and careers available within the firm.
Through my experience here, I hope to learn how systems are managed on an international scale and boost my career prospects.”
Established in 2011, the Belfast office is the second largest in the A&O network, employing more than 450 people in legal and non-legal roles.