Case studies: Trainee legal executive: Rhys

Rhys left school with 12 GCSEs and went on to Sixth Form College, where he successfully gained five A levels in History, English Language, Law, Theatre Studies and General Studies. He is currently working at Bury Council and studying for the ILEX qualification part time in Manchester.

I was always interested in becoming a barrister or solicitor. My mum works at Crown Court (where I did work experience) and this helped me understand more about what was involved. I never particularly liked the idea of the university lifestyle when I was leaving college and was worried about the costs as my parents wouldn't have been able to support me through university like some other families. The job was advertised in the local newspaper and it was a route that could enable me to qualify as a solicitor without the need to incur debts at university. Plus, working would be giving me more experience than law students at university, I'd be getting paid to work full time and my qualifications would be paid for by my employer. 

I applied online via the Bury MBC website after seeing the advertisement in the local newspaper. I read the person specification and job description to see if I met the criteria, which I thought I did, and took care and time filling in the application as this was my first application for a full-time job.

I was called to an interview, which I attended shortly after receiving my A-level results and was informed the same day that I had the job. I turned down a place on a law degree course at university after discussing the options with friends, family and my law tutor from college. I think I made the best decision by choosing to work and study ILEX instead of doing a full-time degree.

The role has developed brilliantly and better than I ever expected. So far, I've passed each set of exams and have taken on lots more areas of responsibility in my job. My job was a career-graded post, meaning my salary and responsibilities increase when I reach certain levels along my course of studies. Bury MBC have rewarded me well and I'm very happy with how things have developed.

I'm a fee earner/case worker, so I manage my own case load. I undertake a wide variety of property work, including residential sales of council houses and a large portion of commercial property work. I enjoy the challenges, learning new things and how complex it can be. I like to get my brain working!

In terms of progression, I'd like to complete ILEX and be admitted as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and, if my employer agrees, continue to study further in order to qualify as a solicitor - this is my ultimate goal.