This week, from the 9th to the 15th February, marks National Apprenticeship Week, an initiative led by the UK Government to celebrate the vital role apprenticeships play in developing individuals, strengthening businesses, and supporting wider society.
At Mathys & Squire, we are proud to offer IP Support apprenticeships that nurture enthusiastic, motivated talent and provide hands-on training in the world of intellectual property. Our apprenticeships create clear and accessible pathways into skilled employment, particularly for young people and career-changers who may not follow traditional academic routes.
In this article, we hear directly from our talented apprentices as they share their experiences and reflect on their journey at Mathys & Squire so far.
Victoria Perryman
Victoria Perryman began her apprenticeship in August 2024 and has just sat her final exams.
“Being an apprentice at Mathys & Squire allowed me to begin my career within the IP industry and have hands-on experience with completing day-to-day activities of Intellectual Property Support Specialists, while balancing off-site learning and study required by the Apprenticeship Board. This has helped develop my understanding of the working world, create networks with a range of people, as well as build my personal and academic confidence. My apprenticeship at Mathys has given me so many opportunities and responsibilities which allowed me to enhance and gain valuable skills.
The apprenticeship has been a challenge, especially with trying to balance working, personal and educational life, however, it has been an enriching and rewarding journey from start to finish. Upon reflection of my apprenticeship journey, I can see how this experience and the people I have worked alongside have supported a positive change in myself, enabling me to build up stronger communication and social abilities.
I have learnt the importance of IP in the everyday working world and how many people lack an understanding of the expansive work involved. My newfound knowledge gained about IP has allowed me to view the general world in a different way and appreciate the effort that IP firms, such as Mathys, goes through to enable other businesses to protect their IP works.”
Alexviya Leigh
Alexviya and Tilly-Grace both began at Mathys & Squire in August 2025.
“Joining Mathys as an Apprentice has been a very exciting and rewarding experience. From the very first day, I was welcomed into a supportive environment where collaboration and learning are encouraged. Unlike some roles where Apprentices are limited to observation, I was given responsibilities and the chance to contribute to real work, which has made me feel like a valued part of the team. Balancing work with study has been a little challenging but enriching. I have been able to develop strong organisational skills, learn how to manage multiple deadlines and apply what I have learned from my coursework into a practical setting.
Overall being an apprentice at Mathys & Squire has given me a unique insight into the legal profession and is a solid foundation for my career. The role is challenging, fast-paced, and continuously rewarding, offering both practical experience and academic development. It has confirmed my passion for intellectual property law and provided me with the skills, confidence and perspective to succeed in the field.”
Tilly-Grace Dorking
“For me, starting my professional career with an apprenticeship at Mathys & Squire has been challenging but extremely rewarding and interesting.
I challenge anyone who dismisses apprenticeships as a lesser form of education to spend a day as a Trainee in our firm… I learn something new every day!
One thing I have learnt during my time here is the significance of my role and my department as an Intellectual Property Support Specialist.
Through the training of those in admin/secretarial roles in patents, I have gained insight into how our Attorneys work closely with Intellectual Property Support Specialists and how this fosters a collaborative working environment.”
