LAW firm Allen & Overy is teaming up with South Eastern Regional College to offer an innovative course bolstering expertise in the legal jobs market.
The Document Skills Foundation Course creates opportunities for people from legal and nonlegal backgrounds to gain employment with law firms in the production and management of complex documents.
It is the only course of its type in Northern Ireland and more than half of the 15 trainees taking part in year one secured offers of employment before graduation in March, including three who joined Allen & Overy.
The 12-week course offers intense training on legal text processing, speed keying and digital transcription at SERC campuses and Allen & Overy’s office in Belfast.
Paula Feeney, document services manager at Allen & Overy’s support service centre in Belfast, said: “Opportunities are available for those with the right skills to develop rewarding careers in the legal sector.
“This course is about preparing people to meet a demand that is already here and sustain a pool of high-quality talent that can excel in a modern, fast-paced work environment.
“It is not just about creating great Allen & Overy employees, but equipping people with the know-how that can benefit the Northern Ireland business community.”
Thompson Keating, director of corporate and economic development at SERC, said: “This programme is about providing people with practical, sought-after skills by focusing our joint efforts on solving the skills’ gaps issues.
“As part of the recruitment process we are inviting applications from those who are unemployed and are eager to re-enter the workplace.
“The practical knowledge from this programme will give trainees the edge in the jobs marketplace.
“SERC is committed to working with businesses and providing training in response to their needs.
“This course is a powerful demonstration of how further education colleges and the private sector are working together to support employment and economic development,” he added.
The Document Skills Foundation course is delivered at South Eastern Regional College’s campuses.
To find out more or to apply, log on to www.allenovery.com/careers.