Published: 16/07/2010 16:00 - Updated: 15/07/2010 12:50

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon is set to break with Parliamentary tradition by hiring a teenage apprentice to work as a political researcher in his Westminster office.

MPs usually take their pick from hundreds of graduates willing to work for nothing as interns, but Mr Halfon will become the first member of the House of Commons to take on a paid apprentice from within his own constituency.

He will select a candidate from a shortlist drawn up by Harlow College, which currently runs a successful apprenticeship scheme in partnership with Essex County Council.

This week he told the Star the interview process was already under way.
“I have been a long-time supporter of apprenticeships and the scheme run at Harlow College is one I have long championed,” he said.

“I did my maiden speech in the House of Commons on apprenticeships so I thought I would put my money where my mouth is and become the first MP to hire an apprentice.”

Mr Halfon’s lead is already being followed by other MPs, with Business Minister John Hayes recently announcing he will also be appointing an apprentice.

Mr Halfon added: “It would be easy to pick from the hundreds of Oxbridge types offering their services for free, but I felt the role would be far more beneficial to someone who would never normally get such a unique opportunity.”

The successful candidate will work part-time in Mr Halfon’s Westminster office for around three days a week and will assist the MP with research and day-to-day administrative tasks.

The pay will be £100 per week – equivalent to the salary paid to apprentices in industry – and will be funded part-privately, with half coming from party donations and the remainder from Essex County Council.

“Apprenticeships are absolutely crucial in giving young people the skills they require to do the jobs of the future,” said Mr Halfon. “If you give young people that opportunity, they will grow to believe they achieve something with their lives.”