Harlow MP appoints second apprentice

A HARLOW College student has become the second paid apprentice to be taken on by local MP Rob Halfon.

Louis Luck is working towards a Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration and replaces Andy Huckle – who last year became the first-ever MP’s apprentice - as a part-time research assistant in the Tory backbencher’s  House of Commons office.

Louis Luck with Harlow MP Rob Halfon

Working in Westminster three days a week, he will return to Harlow College on Thursdays to study and remain in Harlow on Fridays to work in Mr Halfon’s constituency office.

Louis, who studied history, politics and religious studies at A-Level, said securing the apprenticeship was a "dream come true".

"There were 35 people who applied for the position and I had to go through a pretty intense application and interview process, so I’m really grateful to now be in this position," he told the Star.

"I’ve really enjoyed studying politics at A-level for the past two years and it has become my greatest passion, so having the opportunity to now work with Robert and in the Houses of Parliament really is a dream come true."

Mr Halfon, an outspoken supporter of apprenticeship schemes, described Louis as an "outstanding individual".

"Apprenticeships are not just about economic efficiency but about social justice as they give young people the chance to get on the conveyor belt to skills, jobs, and opportunities," he said.

"Since I was elected to the House of Commons I have campaigned long and hard to improve apprenticeships in our country.

"For this reason I employed the first-ever MP’s apprentice and now am proud to have the second – Louis is an outstanding individual who came through a gruelling college interview process."