News
In 2017, Beth Currie stepped through the doors of Harper Macleod as a fresh-faced Modern Apprentice, eager to make her mark. Now, just seven years later, she stands as a testament to the power of opportunity and dedication. Having recently graduated with a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development, Beth’s story is not just one of personal achievement, but a shining example of how Harper Macleod’s commitment to nurturing talent through its Modern Apprenticeship scheme can transform careers and lives.
Beth’s journey began with a one-year apprenticeship in file management, which served as her entry point into the business. “When I started, I wasn’t sure where this path would lead,” Beth recalls. “But I knew I wanted to grow, and Harper Macleod made that possible from day one.” The firm’s support didn’t stop at the completion of her apprenticeship. Instead, it actively encouraged her to continue developing her skills. This encouragement led her to a role within the Learning and Development team in April 2021, where she began working remotely under covid restrictions while focusing on her passion for helping others.
While working in Learning and Development, Beth took on the challenge of earning a degree-level qualification, which she completed in just nine months through a combination of work-based and distance learning. This experience was both demanding and rewarding. “I’ve fallen in love with Learning and Development,” Beth shares, reflecting on her recent accomplishment. “The opportunity to apply what I was learning directly to my role made the experience incredibly valuable. I couldn’t have reached this point without the support and flexibility that Harper Macleod provided.”
Beth’s current role is multifaceted, involving the management of the firm’s performance framework, induction for new hires, and logging Continual Professional Development, an important condition for the regulated legal sector. She is also responsible for booking training sessions, a task that aligns well with her interest in helping others progress. Most recently, she has been instrumental in the launch of the Junior Support Team Development Programme, a new initiative aimed at developing soft skills, time management, and communication abilities among young colleagues, including Modern Apprentices.
Harper Macleod’s Learning and Development Manager, Christine McKay, Beth’s line manager, has had a significant influence on her journey. “Beth’s growth has been incredible to witness,” Christine says. “She’s gone from strength to strength, and her enthusiasm for Learning and Development is contagious. She’s not just doing a job, she’s making a real impact on the team and the wider organisation.”
Harper Macleod’s commitment to talent development is evident not only in Beth’s story but throughout the firm. An impressive 12% of the workforce has joined through the Modern Apprenticeship scheme, with 35% of those apprentices being promoted into other roles. The firm’s dedication to cultivating young talent was recognised this year when it was awarded SME Employer of the Year at the QA Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2024.
Beth is quick to acknowledge that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the Modern Apprenticeship scheme. “Harper Macleod wants people to progress, and as a result, I never felt stuck,” Beth explains. “The Modern Apprenticeship scheme has been instrumental in my career development.” The firm’s support allowed her to study during work hours, with dedicated time each month to focus on her coursework, though she completed assessments outside of work hours. This balance between work and study was crucial in enabling her to succeed.
Looking ahead, Beth is excited to put her new qualification into practice and to explore broader organisational Learning and Development needs. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and opportunities, Modern Apprentices can evolve into leaders, mentors, and key contributors to their organisations.
As Beth continues her journey at Harper Macleod, she remains committed to helping others progress just as she has. “I love seeing people become more confident and grow into their roles,” she says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’m playing a part in their development, just as others have done for me.”
Beth’s journey from Modern Apprentice to a key figure in Learning and Development exemplifies Harper Macleod’s dedication to fostering growth from within. Her story not only highlights personal achievement but also the firm’s mission to empower every individual to reach their full potential.