I think you could apply to both early 2028 and late 2028 TCs if you wanted to. I don’t think you should rule out the early 2028 TCs given the timeframes you are considering.
I would make a mixture of VS and TC applications. Unless you have many years of legal work experience or have work or other commitments that would stop you from doing a VS, generally VS are the better opportunity to apply to in most instances. However, many people with legal work experience choose to just apply to direct TCs and have success, so this is an option, we’d just generally recommend a mixture, especially given some firms recruit trainees solely or mainly from their VS programmes.
Any of these options will help you develop out your CV and application forms. There isn’t one I would recommend over the other. I think you have to consider what you want to do with your time more than anything.
Anything you can do to build out more recent legal work experience will be helpful in future applications to show your pursuit of the career.
If a firm recruits exclusively from their VS, you will only be able to apply for a VS with them. There will not be a direct TC option.
Firms value any work experience - it does not always need to be directly related to their work. People will showcase even their non-legal work experience and this will be valued by firms. Focus on emphasising the transferable skills gained from experiences, even if the technical knowledge is not transferable.
I would focus on the areas you want to work in rather than what you previous experience is related to.
You may find firms who have practice areas that both meet your new interests and have a strength in the areas you have previously worked. If they are of interest, it may make sense to apply to them. As you have suggested leveraging your previous experience with your current motivations is likely to help with applications you are submitting.
