We are delighted to see CIPA have endorsed Damar Training‘s specialist IP pathway for IP Paralegal apprenticeships. We hope that this alternative route into the profession will widen access to careers in IP, helping ensure a strong, diverse talent pool for the sector as a whole.
As diversifying the pipeline into the IP professions is one of our key aims, we would encourage all organisations involved with Careers in Ideas to consider pledging an apprenticeship vacancy for a paralegal apprentice on the IP pathway.
Why pledge a vacancy?
- Build a cost-effective talent pipeline tailored to your firm’s IP practices and processes
- Develop future IP expertise from within, strengthening succession planning and institutional knowledge
- Create a structured career pathway that supports retention and loyalty among emerging talent
- Expand team capacity without the overhead of external recruitment
- Address immediate skills gaps while investing in long-term capability development
An apprenticeship offers a practical way to bring new capability into your team. It’s an investment that builds both your team’s capacity and a skilled, committed team member.
About the IP Paralegal Apprenticeship
This level 3, 18-month apprenticeship has been designed by CIPA and Damar Training. Apprentices gain grounding across key areas of IP practice, including patents, designs, trademarks and IP enforcement.
Learning combines on-the-job experience with structured coaching and expert-led workshops, ensuring apprentices develop both the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to support IP teams effectively.
Funding support
Funding is available to support your apprenticeship costs:
- Levy-paying employers can use funds from their apprenticeship levy to cover training costs.
- SMEs and non-levy employers can receive fully funded training for apprentices under 25, with a 5% contribution required for apprentices 25 and over.
Financial incentives up to £3,000 are available (eligibility criteria apply).
How to pledge
To find out more and pledge your vacancy, get in touch with the team at Damar Training. Damar Training plan to start the training in March 2027 so they need your pledges by mid November 2026.
You can also see more information here.
If you are looking to apply for an apprenticeship, check out Damar Training’s website.
Last Updated: October 19, 2026