A former St Benedict’s Catholic High School student has been given the opportunity to complete a degree apprenticeship at the Office of Trudy Harrison MP.
Today, 18-year-old Oliver Dorgan was among the thousands of students all over the country nervously collecting their much anticipated A-Level results, and for the youngest member of Cleator Moor Town Council his academic successes means he has secured his place working directly with the Copeland MP.
Mr Dorgan of Cleator Moor, will begin his four-year Business Management degree apprenticeship in September, spending two days a month at Manchester Metropolitan University, and the rest of the time working in Mrs Harrison’s constituency and Parliamentary offices, alongside her three permanent members of staff.
As part of his apprenticeship, Mr Dorgan, who is also a former Member of the Youth Parliament for West Cumbria will be managing Parliamentary procedure, conducting research, as well as helping constituents with any issues or concerns.
Mr Dorgan, said: “I am really looking forward to beginning my degree apprenticeship in Trudy’s office next month and would like to thank her and her office for this incredibly unique opportunity.
“I hope I can serve the office and most importantly the people of Copeland well.”
Degree apprenticeships are a new type of programme developed by employers, universities, and professional bodies where students can achieve a full bachelor's or master's degree through working and studying part-time at a university.
Mrs Harrison, said: “I believe wholeheartedly in apprenticeships. I have encouraged my own children to pursue the ‘learn as you earn’ route and am proud to serve as the Government’s apprentice ambassador and co-chair of the Apprenticeship Delivery Board.
“It was an entirely natural choice for me to be the first MP in the country to offer a degree level apprenticeship placement in my constituency office.
“Oliver has demonstrated exceptional talent and political awareness and is passionate about his community. I know he’ll be a great asset to my fantastic team.”
Since her election, Mrs Harrison has provided work experience to a number of students in both her constituency and Westminster offices, offering an insight into the day-to-day running of an MP’s office.
Former Whitehaven Academy student, Melissa Palmer who will be studying Graphic Design at The Northern School of Art in Hartlepool in September has just completed a month’s internship with the Copeland MP.
She said: “Gaining an internship in Trudy’s office has been an amazing opportunity and I feel very lucky to have spent time working in both her Parliamentary and constituency offices – it is not often you get to have a private tour of the Houses of Parliament, and learn about the historical foundations of our democracy in the very heart of Westminster.”
