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Our summer placements are a great way to make your mark – and could lead to a training contract.
If you’re committed to applying for a trainee position at Bates Wells, our vacation placements are worth a look. By applying for a vacation scheme, you’re guaranteed to be considered for a training contract. You don’t need to apply for both the vacation scheme and the training contract – you only need to choose one.
Vacation Scheme Dates 2022
Due to Covid-19 we have conducted trainee recruitment virtually in 2020 and 2021. We continue to monitor government guidance and will begin preparing to return to the office when possible. We hope to conduct in-person schemes in 2022.
- Summer Vacation Scheme 1: Monday 6 June – Friday 17 June 2022
- Summer Vacation Scheme 2: Monday 20 June – Friday 1 July 2022
Please make an application between 1 October 2021 – 31 January 2022 to either of the schemes. We review applications on a rolling basis so please apply at your earliest convenience.
What you can expect from the vacation scheme
You’ll sit in two different departments during your fortnight with us. But from day one, you’ll feel part of something bigger. You’ll have the chance to explore the firm and the values that drive us, and we’ll always support you to be yourself.
You’ll meet a wide range of our people, and you’ll get to know our shared sense of purpose and values. We encourage you to get involved with the whole department and any events happening during your time with us.
How the vacation scheme fits into the training contract application process
Before joining the scheme you will receive an agenda about different events happening during your time with us, and opportunities to attend drop-in calls if you have any questions leading up to the scheme. You will have points of contact in the HR team that you can reach out to about anything in the build up to the placement. We want you to feel as prepared as possible for your first day, so you can really enjoy your experience.
When you arrive for your vacation scheme, we’ll go into more detail about how we’ll be assessing you throughout the placement, and give you helpful information to prepare in advance. During the scheme you will complete a written assessment, which is based on a typical trainee task. You will also have an end of scheme interview with two members of the recruitment panel to talk about your experiences of the scheme.
If you’re successful following the scheme, we’ll invite you back for a final interview from July with two partners (including our Managing Partner). After final interviews, we’ll offer training contracts to successful candidates.
If you decide to apply directly for a training contract rather than going for the vacation scheme, you’ll still complete the initial form and Watson Glaser test. However, you’ll be invited to an assessment day at the firm rather than the competency based interview and vacation scheme. The assessment day consists of an interview and written exercise, and if successful, you’ll be invited back for a final interview alongside successful vacation scheme students in July.
