Preseli Pembrokeshire, Member of Parliament, Stephen Crabb, opened his constituency office doors for a week of work experience placements to Castle Sixth Form based in Haverfordwest – the first placements since the start of the pandemic.
This week (20th June) 5 A-level Politics students, joined his constituency office team in Market Street, Haverfordwest, to find out more about the work of an MP, both in Westminster and in the constituency. In addition to learning about the MP’s working week and priorities for the area, they learnt about the staff roles and responsibilities who support Stephen Crabb in his work on behalf of residents and in performing his duties in the House of Commons.
The students were given practical tasks to carry out including researching Pembrokeshire County Council developments to regenerate Haverfordwest town centre, the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, and local companies connected to the renewable energy sector on the Haven. They took part in online meetings with the MP and prepared social media posts on a variety of local issues.
As well as learning about the importance of the casework function, they looked at the parliamentary business of the week and discussed issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, community energy generation, and the importance of maintaining access to cash in rural areas. The students explored the different ways an MP can engage with young adults and also explored the issues that matter most to them.
The students ended the work placement with a Q and A session with Stephen and work shadowed him in a livestream panel discussion on the future vision and regeneration of Haverfordwest Town Centre.
Stephen Crabb MP said, “I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to host work experience students once again. My team and I were impressed by their enthusiasm for learning and keen questioning to better understand the work of an MP, and the work my staff carry out on a daily basis to assist me.”
He added, “I’m a real advocate of work experience. I think it’s a great way to give young people the chance to find out more about a particular industry or profession as they start to explore their own future career path.”
Commenting on their time in the office, Rory said, “This has been a great and interactive opportunity to get a behind the scenes look into the day-to-day workings of an MP and a chance to respect the sheer amount of work and care that is required to help represent their constituency to the best of their ability.”
Rosie added, “ I have thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Stephen Crabb’s office. It has been so interesting to see the amount of hard work that is put in behind the scenes. I’ve witnessed the vast workload put together day to day and the constant duty an MP has to endeavour. It’s been wonderful to work with Chris and Adele and see the variety of skills required to be successful in the occupation.”
Stephen regularly attends local primary and secondary schools speaking to children about politics and providing Q and A sessions. Work experience placements are provided both in the Haverfordwest office and in his office on the Parliamentary Estate in London.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the work placements that exist with their local Member of Parliament can email their interest to Stephen.crabb.mp@parliament.uk
