Work Experience

About the programme

The Work Experience Programme in my office offers students a structured, immersive introduction to how a Member of Parliament represents their constituency and contributes to national politics.

Over the course of one week, students will gain hands-on exposure to:

  • Parliamentary work and the legislative process
  • Political communications and public engagement
  • Constituency casework and local problem-solving
  • Campaigning and community engagement

Alongside this practical experience, students will develop and deliver a policy pitch on an issue affecting Coventry North West, supported by office staff.

This programme is designed to be educational and realistic, reflecting the responsibilities, pace, and professionalism of working in an MP’s office.

What you'll gain

By the end of the week, students will gain a practical understanding of how an MP’s office operates, alongside skills that are valuable for further study and future careers.

Students will:

  • Understand politics in practice
    Learn how an MP represents their constituency and contributes to Parliament, including how laws are made and scrutinised.
  • See how MPs work with communities
    Gain insight into how MPs and their teams engage with residents, organisations, and stakeholders, and how constituent concerns shape policy and campaigns.
  • Develop key professional skills
    Build research, analysis, and clear written communication skills while working in a professional office environment.
  • Strengthen policy thinking and presentation
    Research a real issue affecting Coventry North West, develop evidence-based recommendations, and present ideas with confidence.
  • Gain career insight and feedback
    Experience a professional political workplace, receive structured feedback, and be eligible for a reference letter upon successful completion.

Who can apply?

This programme is open to:

  • Students aged 16 and over
  • Sixth form, college, and university students

I especially encourage you to apply if you are:

  • A constituent of Coventry North West
  • A student studying at the University of Warwick or Coventry University

How to apply

To apply for the Work Experience Programme, please email taiwo.owatemi.mp@parliament.uk with the subject line:

Subject: Taiwo Owatemi Work Experience Programme Application – Your Name

Your application email should include two documents attached as PDFs or Word documents:

  1. Cover Letter (maximum 500 words)

This should explain:

  • Why you want work experience in an MP’s office
  • Your interest in politics, public service, or Labour values
  • What you hope to gain from the placement
  1. Issue Brief (maximum 500 words)

This should outline:

  • One issue affecting Coventry North West that you care about
  • How current government policy and/or announced Labour strategies may affect this issue

Please ensure your name is clearly included in both documents.

Applications that exceed the word limits may not be considered.

Want to know what MPs actually get up to?

Sign up to my newsletter to receive monthly updates on the work that I’ve been doing in the constituency and in Westminster. I also provide updates on key Government policies so you can keep up to date on that too!