Wolverhampton Council

Owen Dugmore – Legal Admin Apprentice

“Through the apprenticeship I have created a new electronic indexing system in legal services for my project presentation. This has had a big impact on the organisation.”

LEGAL ADMIN APPRENTICE | CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL

Owen recently completed his Legal Admin Apprenticeship with City of Wolverhampton Council.

What is your job title?

Legal Administrator Apprentice

How has the apprenticeship impacted on you / improved your life?

This apprenticeship has had a significant impact on my life, particularly in lockdown when I was able to spend a good amount of time on the working differently program Damar provided. This was a great distraction and also allowed me to build my knowledge which would help later on in the course. Work has kept me close with my colleagues and this interaction has been a delight to have when in isolation.

How will the apprenticeship training continue to impact on you in the future?

I have gained invaluable skills and knowledge from the apprenticeship training, particularly on the use of project management tools and adapting to change, which I am sure will assist me in my professional and personal future.

How has the apprenticeship impacted on your organisation? 

Through the apprenticeship I have created a new electronic indexing system in legal services for my project presentation. This has had a big impact on the organisation, with the system still in place and in use on a day to day basis.

How has Damar’s approach to training contributed to the impact of the apprenticeship on you and your organisation?

Damar’s approach to training has had a huge positive impact on my apprenticeship. I have been supported throughout by my brilliant trainer Sharon Brown, excellent online learning tools and the availability of the Business Administrator Forum, which meant any questions I had could be answered in a small amount of time. Sharon and my manager worked really well together to identify my strengths and weaknesses, and agreeing when I was ready for the end-point assessment.

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

I decided not to go to university after college as I wanted to get some work experience. At the time I was particularly worried about taking a course which wouldn’t actually help me in the future, or being unable to get a job with the qualification and little experience I had. An apprenticeship seemed the best way to do this whilst working towards an additional qualification. This has helped me decide what career I want to follow, and what type of organisation I want to work in.

What activities do you do in your day-to-day role?

During my day-to-day role in the Litigation and Social Care Teams, I draft court bundles and carry out legal research to assist the Solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives in their work. I also carry out the admin duties of setting up meetings and taking the minutes.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the fact that my work, even as an apprentice, helps to improve and make a difference to Wolverhampton. Whether in property or litigation matters, I feel I have helped shape the city.

What are your future career plans?

I hope to stay within legal services at Wolverhampton Council and complete a further apprenticeship to gain the relevant qualifications and experience I need to progress in law.