Embracing online work experience scheme to help students

We have extended our partnership with Forage, a leading provider of online work experiences, to launch an interactive job simulation program. The aim of the initiative is to improve and widen access, while also attracting diverse emerging talent to the legal profession.

Forage works by hosting job simulations online: these are completely free and available to participants on a 24/7 basis. Currently 1,135 students have enrolled on the Gateley program.

By using the program, students learn about mergers and acquisitions (M&A), a core practice area in a commercial law firm and a seat typically undertaken during a training contract. Students are also able to work on a hypothetical acquisition transaction, applying critical thinking and commercial awareness to achieve the required outcome. The skills students will gain from the Gateley program include: an insight into corporate law, commercial awareness, attention to detail, critical thinking and concise writing. 

Chris Lake, Gateley’s head of recruitment, said: “We take our responsibility of developing emerging talent and helping to bring on the next generation of lawyers very seriously. We believe this initiative will go a long way to helping students to increase their knowledge and skill base as well as gaining a good understanding of the legal work environment.

“Anyone can participate in the program and it’s a fantastic opportunity for young people from all backgrounds to gain an insight into the profession. We’re really pleased with the demographics we’ve seen from our program so far: half of those enrolled are from minority ethnic backgrounds, 62% are female and 61% attended state schools.”

Thomas Brunskill, CEO of Forage, said: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Gateley for their support and partnership in co-creating this transformative virtual experience program. This innovative program will help break down barriers and empower the next generation to explore, learn, and thrive in the legal profession. Together, we are forging a path towards a more inclusive future, where talent knows no boundaries.”

Once students have completed the program, they receive a personalised certificate which they can add to their CV and LinkedIn profile.