We are very proud of our Training Academy. Year on year our trainees outperform the national average for exam pass rates and frequently win prizes for the highest marks awarded in exams. This is achieved by utilising our in-house expertise to train and develop our trainees to the highest standard. Additionally, the combination of 'away days', online learning, revision courses and peer support provides a comprehensive set of learning opportunities to develop our attorneys of the future.
"The Training Academy not only gives our graduates the opportunity to learn from our market-leading expertise, it also allows our trainees to bond with their peer group and visit our UK offices at the Academy away days. Year on year we make improvements to the Academy to ensure we meet the needs of our trainees and support them towards qualification."
The academy away days are rotated around our UK offices and include an optional dinner and an activity the night before. Patent and trade mark trainees attend the away days together, attending separate morning lectures towards their exams. In the afternoon we focus on personal development skills, covering topics such as business development, personal effectiveness and interpersonal skills.
Our trainees tell us that this is one of the best aspects of the academy as it enables them to build a peer support network that continues long into their career.
In addition to away days, we have an online learning system with a number of modules to help trainees develop. The modules are written and delivered by our qualified attorneys, in line with the exam syllabi. Mobile learning technologies enable trainees to study at a time to suit them, even whilst 'on the go', and provides a comprehensive library of materials.
To become qualified, our trade mark trainees attend university. To read more about this, please visit our trade mark attorney graduate page.
For the UK finals, in addition to in-house revision courses, patent trainees can opt to attend external revision courses, which are run during the summer. The option to attend externally run revision courses, is also available for the European exams.
'At M&C, we’re lucky to have the support of the Training Academy, which provides resources and advice to help trainees through the qualifying exams, as well as support with settling into the profession. One of the best things is being part of a nation-wide cohort, meaning everyone can support each other from the first day.
With the help of M&C, I was pleased (and relieved!) to pass the UK Foundation Exams this year. I received the Chris Gibson and Keith Farwell prizes for my results in FC2, FC5, and the Moss prize for my combined FC1 & FC3 exam scores.'