A Copeland apprentice has shared his experiences of working in an MPs office as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2021.
20-year-old, Oliver Dorgan began his Degree Apprenticeship in Management in the constituency office of Copeland’s MP, Trudy Harrison after leaving St Benedict’s School in 2017.
In celebration of the 14th National Apprenticeship Week 2021, which this year aims to shine a light on the hard work being done by employers and apprentices across the country, Oliver has shared his thoughts on adapting to changes due to the pandemic and why an apprenticeship was the route for him in a virtual call with his employer.
Oliver said: “Throughout my time in education, I always wanted to attend University as I have always enjoyed learning and felt it would be a natural progression.
“However, when I was offered my degree apprenticeship, the few downsides of attending University diminished. I could stay at home, earn a wage and work in a sector that I'm interested in. It was the obvious choice.
“Working for a Member of Parliament is a unique experience. No two days are the same so I really am thankful for the opportunity and look forward to completing my degree in 2022.”
The annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships takes place across England and showcases how apprenticeships have helped employers and people of all ages and backgrounds.
Employers are encouraged to promote the great work of their apprentices, whilst highlighting the many benefits apprenticeships bring to their business.
Trudy said: “Supporting young people to realise their potential and providing opportunities to gain hands-on experience will always be a priority. Oliver has been an incredible asset to my team since he began his apprenticeship in 2017, managing dozens of constituent concerns and often very difficult calls with the utmost professionalism and dedication.
“The way in which he has been able to adapt to the changes brought on by the Pandemic induing remote working is commendable and I know he has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.”
Last week, Trudy called on employers to sign up to the Government’s £2bn landmark Kickstart Scheme, designed to ensure young people at risk of long term unemployment have a future of opportunity by creating quality, government-subsidised jobs across the UK, helping to spur the country’s economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic.
The Government has this month widened the scheme to make it easier for smaller businesses to get involved.
The 30 vacancies minimum threshold has been removed and businesses can now apply to the scheme for any number of placements, putting smaller businesses on the same footing as large employers.
Under the scheme, the Government will pay 100 per cent of the young person’s age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week, which the employer can top up if they choose to. In addition, the Government will pay £1,500 per Kickstarter taken on to cover any associated set up costs.
Copeland businesses hoping to sign up to the Kickstart Scheme can contact Cumbria’s local representative at [email protected] or visit https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme.
