AN ASPIRING solicitor has swapped A levels for work-based training as part of a pioneering new scheme.

Twelve months ago student Reanne Alker faced a crossroads when she considered giving up exams entirely.

However a four-month course with Training 2000 has seen her gain workplace training instead.

After showing excellent progress with a legal firm, both she and her employers hope she will one day fulfil her ambition to become a solicitor.

Reanne, 19, from Witton, Blackburn, lost motivation halfway through her A levels. After gaining poor grades in her AS exams she decided to reassess her future.

She said: “I heard about Training 2000 through my mum’s friend and went along for an interview to get on their Train Up Programme.

“When I first started I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do. I was in a bad place and couldn’t see me having a future.

“I managed to get a work placement with Acklam Bond Solicitors in Accrington for eight weeks and at the end of that they offered me a job as a receptionist at the Blackburn office.

“I’m so happy now. I love my new job and have a whole new lease of life and a fantastic future to look forward to. I can’t thank Training 2000 enough for believing in me when I had stopped believing in myself. ”

Kathryn Reddin, office manager at Acklam Bond, said: “We hope that she can go on to progress further in our company.”

Alex O’Connor, of Training 2000, said: “Throughout her eight-week placement Reanne demonstrated excellent employability skills.

“She also showed excellent attitude and commitment.”

TELEGRAPH IS WORKING TO FIND YOU A JOB

NEXT week the Lancashire Telegraph launches its Action4jobs campaign with the backing of Prime Minister David Cameron.

He, Labour leader Ed Miliband and Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg are fully supporting the drive to get local people into local jobs.

The Telegraph’s new dedicated recruitment section will help bring together employers and education providers to help people of all ages find work, and develop career opportunities.

Our news team will be focusing on the local jobs market and showcasing career and training opportunities available in East Lancashire.

Mr Cameron described the campaign as ‘a fantastic initiative’.

The campaign will be launched on Thursday and feature in the Telegraph every week.

It can be found online by jobseekers and employers at www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/action_for_jobs/.