Love politics? Wish you could work at the heart of democracy, but not sure where to start?
The Speaker of the House of Commons has just announced the launch of a ‘Speaker’s Apprenticeship Academy’ which will create six new apprenticeship roles across the House of Commons.
The initiative is designed to open doors to a career at the heart of British politics. It is also hoped it will widen the talent pool to include people who otherwise would not consider it as an option. It may also challenge assumptions that Westminster is an exclusionary ‘old boys’ club’.
The job descriptions, posted on the House of Commons website, read, “Apprentices will have the unique opportunity to learn and develop their skills in the UK Parliament, the home of British democracy.”
What apprenticeships are on offer at the Speaker’s Apprenticeship Academy?
The apprenticeship roles available include:
- State apartments assistant (apprentice): This role involves supporting the maintenance and presentation of the historic State Apartments, offering a unique insight into the heritage and day-to-day operations of these significant spaces. As part of this role apprentices will undertake a level 2 hospitality team member apprenticeship.
- Speaker’s office heritage (apprentice): Apprentices in this role will delve into the rich history of the Speaker’s office, contributing to the preservation and promotion of its heritage. As part of this role apprentices will undertake a level 3 business administrator apprenticeship.
- Inclusion and diversity team apprentice: This position focuses on promoting inclusivity and diversity within the House of Commons, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all members and staff. As part of this role apprentices will undertake a level 3 business administrator apprenticeship.
All three apprenticeships are offering a salary of £25,970 per year, which works out to about £12.49 per hour – just slightly below the London Living Wage (£13.15) but almost double the national apprenticeship wage (£6.40).
Apprentices will also get other benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, a Civil Service pension, flexible working, and an interest-free season ticket loan and bicycle loan so you can travel around the city.
Who can apply for Speaker’s Apprenticeship Academy roles?
The Speaker’s Apprenticeship Academy emphasises support and mentorship, so apprentices are not expected to be fully proficient from day one.
All candidates need to have GCSE (or equivalent) at A*–C/4–9 in English and maths, but a degree in Political Science or PPE is definitely not needed. In a LinkedIn post, David Clark, deputy chief of staff (external affairs) to the Speaker, said, “We’re not looking for politics experts. We want to hear from candidates who are early in their careers and eager to learn and develop their skills.”
Participants will have access to a range of training courses offered by the House of Commons, giving them the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their roles.
The roles are aimed at people early in their career and not in full-time education. Individuals with degree-level qualifications or higher aren’t eligible to apply.
For those interested in applying, further details and application links for each role can be found on the House of Commons website. Applications close for all roles on 2 July 2024.