Haywards Heath College Students Step into the World of Westminster during MP Work Placement

Three students from Haywards Heath College have been given an insight into the world of politics during a three-day work placement with a local MP.

Heidi Bryant, Izzy Darby and Charlie Edlin were invited to spend time working alongside the staff at the Burgess Hill office of Alison Bennett, MP for Mid Sussex.

During the placement they learned how to write a press release, attended a workshop with South East Water and spent a day with the MP in Parliament.

Alison Bennett said: “It was a pleasure to host students from Haywards Heath College in my office for three days of work experience.

“Their first day was spent in my office meeting my team and supporting my annual Christmas card competition. The students learned how to write a press release and wrote one that we are submitting to the Mid Sussex Times. 

“On the second day, they attended a workshop with South East Water alongside my Chief of Staff and worked with local councils. They helped to identify locations in Mid Sussex that would be suitable as emergency water stations, and also helped brainstorm ways of reaching vulnerable Mid Sussex residents who may benefit from enhanced support by South East Water.   

“They also spent time talking to South East Water executives about their jobs and their career paths. Huge thanks go to South East Water for welcoming the students to their workshop.

“On the third day they spent a day with me in Parliament, representing my office at parliamentary events, attending a Ministerial Statement and a Foreign Office briefing.”

The students were given a tour of Parliament and also asked Alison Bennett about her life as an MP which she said were “excellent questions,” adding: “We really enjoyed meeting the students and they were a credit to Haywards Heath College. We wish them all the best for Year 13 and their future studies.”

Heidi, a year 2 A Level economics student who wants to study politics, philosophy and economics at university, said: “The work experience was a great opportunity that provided me an insight into the public sector and how our issues within our constituency are brought up and addressed within government.”

Charlie, a Y2 politics student, is planning to study politics and history at the University of Sussex and become a political journalist, and said: “What I found particularly interesting about the placement was the broad range of different tasks carried out by an MP’s office, and how her staff help resolve constituent’s issues as well as major topics affecting the nation.”

Izzy, a Y2 politics student, who wishes to pursue a law degree, said: “I really enjoyed the placement and I found it really useful. We got to do such a range of activities and it wasn’t just in the constituency office. It was also around Parliament and I got to speak to lots of professionals, in different sectors such as rail, foreign office, caseworkers and people across different parties which I found really useful.”

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