Law remains one of the most respected careers in this country. Alongside other paths such as medicine, engineering and teaching, its professionals are respected as experts in their chosen field. Traditionally, these careers have also had in common a very clear entry route for young people: excellent, focused A-level choices followed by university and then professional qualifications.

But as an employer, I know that there is no longer a single route that our employees follow. I am also keenly aware of the number of different types of roles needed for a business to be successful.

This is clearly demonstrated in the legal sector, with paralegals, legal clerks and fee earners all playing their part. In the context of our increasingly competitive and global economy, it is no surprise that most employers – including those in law we speak with – are demanding more and more from their prospective entry-level applicants. Academic ability alone no longer sets candidates apart from the crowd. Increasing importance is being placed on work placements, evidence of practical implementation of knowledge and an understanding of the law in action.

At Pearson, we are proud of our innovative approach to learning. We work with schools and colleges in our provision of the A-levels students study for their place at a university. However, we also work with these same schools and colleges to offer vocational courses that can take the students to the next step in their journey.

We launched BTECs in law in 2007 in conjunction with partners in the field including the Paralegal Association which recognised a need to offer more hands-on training to students to meet the demands of future employers. And there is a huge appetite for these qualifications. Between 2007 and 2009 applications more than tripled.

But what do those who qualify with BTECs in law bring to firms? BTEC students study a broad base of specialisms ranging from criminal law to family law with a special focus on the civil and criminal court structure, the ways in which laws are enacted and aspects of offences and negligence.

A key benefit to recruiting those with BTECs is that they are better equipped for the demands of the working world and have the practical skills that the legal field is crying out for – application of legal principles to real life situations. By continually assessing students via a hands-on portfolio of work rather than through unseen exam papers that can be said to test mainly memory, students demonstrate how they can implement their knowledge.

Without doubt, those employing this new crop of legal professionals with vocational qualifications can only benefit from introducing more diversity to the workforce. Many of these new employees are mature, deciding to change career later in life, and come from a variety of social backgrounds. This enables them to bring alternative insights to the legal world as a whole and, on a smaller but no less important scale, to the office.

Many see law as a vocation. Perhaps, then, it is not surprising that the vocational route into the profession is becoming respected and valued by universities and employers. It may not be the traditional method, but in an ever-changing environment with new demands and increased cost in higher education, every industry will need to be open to a wider range of entry routes. We believe the BTEC will be increasingly recognised as equipping a new generation of lawyers and others within the field with the knowledge and practical skills needed to successfully compete with their peers.

Rod Bristow is president of Pearson UK.