The chance of getting a training contract has become smaller than ever, with on average 130 desperate would-be trainee applying for every vacancy.
Data released by Sweet & Maxwell this week shows an increase of 150% in applications for training contracts. Back in the heady pre-compulsory deferral days of 2008 there were just 52 applicants for each job - but that was when taking a year off and bumming round the world seemed like a exotic dream rather than an enforced reality.
The rise in the number of applications is partly down to the number of available places having dropped by 19%, forcing students to hedge their bets and apply to even more firms than before. Which, bearing in mind the average application form now consists of 300 pages of pointless questions, can't be much fun.
Still, at least if applicants are successful they'll have a guaranteed job for two years. It's a better time to be a trainee than a qualifying lawyer right now...
Tip Off ROF
Data released by Sweet & Maxwell this week shows an increase of 150% in applications for training contracts. Back in the heady pre-compulsory deferral days of 2008 there were just 52 applicants for each job - but that was when taking a year off and bumming round the world seemed like a exotic dream rather than an enforced reality.
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A student begins the application process |
The rise in the number of applications is partly down to the number of available places having dropped by 19%, forcing students to hedge their bets and apply to even more firms than before. Which, bearing in mind the average application form now consists of 300 pages of pointless questions, can't be much fun.
Still, at least if applicants are successful they'll have a guaranteed job for two years. It's a better time to be a trainee than a qualifying lawyer right now...