One of our By the Bridge with Cambian young people spent the day in the House of Lords participating in the Takeover Challenge as a member of the Leader of the House’s office on Thursday 7 December 2017.
During the course of the day, K, aged 15, was able to gain a great understanding of the workings of both houses, speaking with people in a range of roles and positions, with full access to the building, participating in Questions in the House and learning all about different roles within the civil service.
K spent time with Baroness Evans – leader of the Lords, Cabinet Minister and previously both the youngest ever leader and minister, as well as Baroness Taylor (former Minister in Lords and Commons and Chief Whip). She had fantastic feedback from everyone she met who couldn’t believe she was only fifteen with such a mature and responsible outlook on life.
K was able to spend time with staff who had worked their way up through their civil service careers. She met lots of people who were apprentices or had been an apprentice who went onto share their experiences with her. As a direct result of this, K now wants to apply for a post 18 apprenticeship at the House. She was very much encouraged by the staff who felt that she would have the right skills and personality to do well.
By the Bridge with Cambian Education, Participation and Achievements Manager, Abbee McLatchie, said: “I was really shocked when I took K back on the train to head home. It her first time travelling alone which she was very proud of and she left full of excitement of how brilliant the day went and was enthusiastic about applying for an apprenticeship there. From a girl who started the day with a few ideas about things she might like to do post 16, to a confident young woman standing ten feet tall talking about a career in the civil service, it truly was one of those moments where you had to hold back a little proud tear. She was – and is – amazing, and is a huge credit to both herself and her foster parents.”
K is looking forward to writing a small piece about the day to share in her regions Young People’s newsletter.
By the Bridge are extremely passionate about changing the face of fostering. We aim to raise awareness in all sectors of society so that the general population understands the challenges that foster children face, and can better empathise with their situation.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent with By the Bridge and want to look after our inspiring children then click here for more information.