Oldham MP starts the search for her 9th summer programme participants

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has started the recruitment of young people aged 18-24 to take part in her 9th annual Working for Your Community summer programme. 

Since 2014, Ms Abrahams has run a summer programme for young people, providing opportunities to develop their understanding of civic duty, public service and how to work for the benefit of their communities. 

Speaking about her summer programme, the MP said: “All year-round I receive requests from young people who are interested in valuable work experience in an MP’s office. We can accommodate some, but unfortunately it just isn’t possible to offer placements to them all. 

So, to try and give as many young people as possible from Oldham and Saddleworth valuable work experience, I will be running my annual Working for your Community summer programme for 18 to 24 year olds between Monday 18th July and Friday 29th July, 2022.

The aim is to give participants the chance to develop community action skills and experience by working on various projects in and around Oldham. Participants will also develop key skills for potential future involvement in politics and community-based, civic work.”

Former participants of the programme have gone on to work for Members of Parliament, the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, charities, newspapers and even The World Bank. 

This year’s programme also marks the return to in-person activities, after the upheaval of the pandemic forced the last two summer programmes to take-place virtually.

No qualifications are necessary to apply for a place on the programme. Applications will be assessed based on demonstrating a range of skills and experiences that show a broad interest in community issues and developing solutions. 

Applicants should be community-minded with a commitment to social justice and public service, as well as displaying a willingness to learn and adapt to new ideas and capable of working in a diverse group of people. Priority will be given to applicants from Oldham East and Saddleworth and all applicants must be aged 18 – 24 when the programme starts on Monday, July 18th, 2022.

The selected group of young people will be based in Oldham for the two-week programme and must be available for every weekday over the duration of the two weeks from Monday, July 18th Friday to July 29th 2022.

Participants will spend the first week developing their understanding of civic duty and learning new community development skills, honing their campaigning capabilities and participating in expert-led workshops in civic duty, communications, and politics.

The participants will also be taking a trip to Westminster, where they will meet politicians, advisors and other special guests. During the second week of the programme the participants will choose work placements in Oldham and Saddleworth with community projects/organisations to further equip them with experience-based skills.

Ms Abrahams added: “What I love about the summer programme is seeing the young people equip themselves with brand new skills and grow in confidence in such a short time. If you’re interested in getting some great experience in community-based skills and making new connections, this is the programme for you!”

To register your interest, send a letter of application with a CV by email to abrahamsd@parliament.uk

More details, including what to include in your application letter, can be found on Ms. Abrahams website – debbieabrahams.org.uk

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday, June 5th, 2022.

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