Shaun Davies, Member of Parliament for Telford, has this week launched two brand new opportunities designed to help local young people gain valuable skills and work experience.
The first initiative is a new paid internship within Shaun’s constituency office in Telford offering a young person practical experience if they are taking a year out before, during or after university, or equivalent, or for someone ready to begin a career in politics, public service or public affairs.
The second is a Summer School programme taking place in July for students aged 15 to 18 attending secondary schools across the Telford constituency. Participants will spend a week gaining experience across a range of different areas and take part in a visit to Parliament. Two students from each Telford consistency secondary school will be selected and shortlisted after the closing date in June. Travel costs to Parliament will be covered by sponsorship.
The two opportunities come as the Government steps up its efforts to tackle youth unemployment and economic inactivity among young people. The recently published Milburn Review highlights that nearly one million young people across the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET). In addition to the Youth Guarantee Scheme to provide work and education opportunities for every 16-24 year old, the Government has now allocated a further £2.5bn funding to create 300,000 work experience and training placements.
Shaun said: “Telford is home to so many incredibly talented, ambitious and hardworking young people. I know getting that first step in the door can be tough and I hear our young people when they tell me they want more support. I forever will be grateful to those who backed me for my first experience of work, in the Old Bingo Hall in Dawley, I know that early experience of work equipped me well for my future. That’s why I’ve created these two bespoke opportunities, and why I’ve been campaigning for a new government-funded youth hub to be based right here in Telford—so it can support as many young people as possible at the moment it matters most, as they take their next steps into the future.
“These initiatives will provide practical experience, develop new skills and give young people a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them. I want every young person in Telford to know that there is a pathway to success, and I am committed to helping create those opportunities.”
Applications for both programmes are now open.
