The University of Law has launched an 'articled apprenticeship' programme allowing participants to qualify as a solicitor directly from school, without having to attend university.

The initiative potentially opens the profession up to a far wider range of school leavers than currently qualify through traditional law school programmes.

Candidates will complete a six-year programme in conjunction with a law firm. This will consist of a four-year part time undergraduate law degree and an 18-month part-time legal practice course (LPC).

At present, Hillyer McKeown is the only firm to have signed up to the scheme but the University of Law is hoping more firms will come forward following the public launch of the programme.

"The Articled Apprenticeship is about opening doors to the profession and building inclusivity and diversity," said CEO and president of the University of Law, John Latham.

"The Apprenticeship will enable candidates to earn while they learn. They also provide a route for legal employers to grow their own talent and demonstrate their long-term commitment to developing their employees."

As part of the apprenticeship candidates will undertake around one day of studying a week while the rest of their time will be spent working within their firm. In total, apprentices will complete 45 workshops a year alongside experience gained within the firm.

The scheme has been launched following the changes to training requirements introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in July. These allow for the combination of an one-the-job 'period of recognised training' with studying. The articled apprenticeship is a separate initiative to the solicitor apprenticeship currently being developed under the government's Trail Blazer programme which will be in place by 2017.