A new parliamentary apprenticeship scheme is set to open to school leavers in Carshalton and Wallington later this year.

MP Elliot Colburn will host the scheme in his parliamentary offices, in partnership with Carshalton College.

The Apprentice Caseworker will study an NVQ in Business Administration through Carshalton College whilst working in Elliot’s constituency office for twelve months. With frequent working on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster.

The successful candidate will learn about the role of an MP and the relationship between Government and Parliament, whilst also developing written and oral communication skills, workplace interpersonal and organisational skills, and balancing a wide and variable portfolio of responsibilities across the apprenticeship.

This will include supporting Elliot in responding to correspondence from constituents, briefing research and speech-writing, and ad hoc project work as required.

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College Principal of Carshalton College and Merton College, Jason Pemberton-Billing said: “We’re delighted to welcome Elliot as a good friend to Carshalton College and very pleased that he has chosen our college as the provider for his new Apprenticeship.

“It’s going to be a privilege to work with Elliot and his office to make this successful for a young person from our local area and we know it’ll be a fantastic opportunity.”

Elliot Colburn said: “I am absolutely delighted to have launched this scheme with the overwhelming support of Carshalton College.

“Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for young people to upskill and further their studies whilst in the workplace, earning a wage and developing themselves at the same time.

“Whilst I expect many applicants may already have an interest in politics, it is certainly not a requirement, and I would encourage any young person who may be interested to apply.

“I look forward to opening my Apprentice Caseworker scheme for applications later this year.”

Elliot has also written to the Chancellor on behalf of Carshalton College, and the wider South Thames Colleges Group, to ask what further support the Treasury is considering providing to continue helping students in the borough.