Overview[edit]

The Parliamentary Academy scheme offers non-graduate, 18- to 24-year-olds the opportunity to take up a paid, 12-month placement in an MP's parliamentary office. They work four-day weeks, including two days a month working towards an NVQ level 2/3 in business administration. "The aim is to open up politics to young people from a much broader background and get them a decent qualification at the same time," says Halfon. The next round of the Parliamentary Academy will begin in Summer 2013.[2]

Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament. Member for Edinburgh West since 6 May 2010 general election.

Michael Crockart

Conservative Member of Parliament. Member for South Northamptonshire since 6 May 2010 general election.

Andrea Leadsom

Labour/Co-operative member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness since 6 May 2010 general election.

John Woodcock

MPs who have participated in the Parliamentary Academy pilot scheme include:

Opening up Westminster's closed shop

Want to be an MP's apprentice?

Apprentice Minister praises the Parliamentary Academy

Minister Chris Grayling backs the Parliamentary Academy

Secretary of State for Wales backs the Parliamentary Academy