Mitcham and Morden work experience volunteers and businesses were invited to Parliament for a graduation ceremony held by their local MP on Monday.
Mitcham and Morden work experience volunteers and businesses were invited to Parliament for a graduation ceremony held by their local MP on Monday.
Siobhain McDonagh, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mitcham and Morden, welcomed guests into the Grand Committee Room, congratulating individuals for participating in her Work Experience Scheme.
Guests were awarded a framed certificate by the Right Honourable John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, and were photographed with Siobhain and the Speaker.
Guests were also treated to a tour of the House of Parliament and viewed a debate in the House of Commons.
All work experience volunteers received a reference on completing the scheme, helping them to secure permanent employment in the future.
Clarissa Fernandes, a work experience volunteer, said: “It was hard work but definitely worth it in the end. I’ve made some good friends at work and learnt a lot about securing future employment.”
Since taking part in the scheme, Miss Fernandes has secured a permanent contract with B&Q New Malden.
Ms McDonagh organised the Work Experience scheme this summer, when youth unemployment reached 895,000.
The unemployment rate for under 24s in Mitcham and Morden had increased to 11.6 percent.
Ms McDonagh said: “I felt compelled to help because the effect of unemployment is perhaps greatest on our young people.
“If they cannot get work early in life and learn the discipline of the workplace, it becomes harder to find work. For older people, gaps in a CV can make life difficult when applying for jobs, but for young people it is much worse.”
More than 36 businesses took part in the scheme, ranging from schools to medical placements, with over 40 work experience volunteers securing placements.
Since the scheme finished, a number of businesses have contacted Ms McDonagh asking her to continue the scheme that are willing to offer further placements.
The scheme is likely to re-start in the New Year after seeing the benefits it has brought to many young people in the community.
She said: “A common contribution I have seen from a number of employers is that they have seen the young person grow in confidence over the duration of the work experience, which is really good to hear.”
Ms McDonagh said that although the scheme does not provide all the answers to youth unemployment, it is a good starting point and encourages other MPs to create similar schemes.
She continued that it can only be good news for those disadvantaged young people who are struggling to secure employment.
The Right Honourable John Bercow said: “Siobhain goes beyond her role to help her constituency- I’ve never met anyone as dedicated as her.
“The scheme has provided individuals with the ability and commitment, the opportunity they need to secure work experience and future employment.”
