I have a voice are offering a wonderful opportunity for 18 to 30 year olds in London with a Training and Internship Scheme. Apply now and #CreateYourFuture.
Is this opportunity for you?
- Are you passionate about any social and / or environmental issues?
- Do you enjoy reading and writing?
- Do you enjoy using evidence to create persuasive arguments?
- Do you like learning new things?
- Do you like thinking creatively about solutions to different challenges?
- Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
- Are you looking for a stimulating and rewarding career?
About the Training and Internship Programme
I have a voice (IHAV) equips people with the skills and confidence to tackle the social and environmental issues facing them and their communities.
There are thousands of rewarding and well-paid job roles in organisations that seek to inform decisions about the policies that impact our lives. For example, in relation to climate change, human rights, support for local high streets and what services are available for children and the elderly. Many of these roles are in the public affairs sector. The starting salary for public affairs roles is £20k to £29k1 and the average salary in a public affairs role in London is £46,869.
Public affairs work combines government relations, media communications, crisis management, corporate and social responsibility, and strategic communications advice. Public affairs practitioners engage stakeholders to explain organisational policies and views on public policy issues, assisting policymakers and legislators in amending or laying down better policy and legislation.
IHAV has received funding from the Walcot Foundation, and partnered with a number of employers in the public affairs sector, to offer a two-week training programme for 24 young people living in low-income households who would like to gain an insight and experience in a career in the public affairs sector.
At the end of the programme there are 6 internships (paid at the London Living Wage) up for grabs. These will vary in length from 1-3 months. All trainees will receive support from IHAV for an additional 12 months to find paid employment in the public affairs sector. This support will include 1:1 mentoring and further free upskilling workshops.
What you’ll get:
- Up to 40 hours of training and insight into a rewarding and well-paid career.
- Access to industry leaders in the public affairs sector.
- Travel costs and a food allowance.
- Trainees that complete the programme successfully will have an opportunity to interview for one of five paid internship opportunities.
- 12 months of ongoing employment support, such as 1:1 mentoring, upskilling workshops and support writing cover letters and preparing for interviews.
The skills and knowledge you’ll develop:
What actually happens in Parliament and the Government so that you understand how you can engage with them and inform decisions that matter to you and your community.
- How to prepare for a meeting with decision makers so that you have an impact.
- Media relations and media literacy.
- How to use social media for campaigning.
- Presenting and public speaking.
- Writing for different audiences.
- Articulating what matters to you and constructive debating.
- Writing a clear and effective cover letter and how to prepare for an interview.
Many of these skills extend beyond the public affairs sector and also prepare you to become an active citizen in your community.
Are you eligible?
- To apply for the training programme you need to:
- Live in London
- Be aged 18-30
- Come from a low-income household – please use the Walcot Foundation’s online financial eligibility checker to see if you are eligible.
- You must be available to attend the training programme, which will run from 11th – 22nd April (not including bank holidays).
- The sessions will run from 10:00 to 14:30.
- The course will be a mixture of in-person, from a Central London location and online. If you can only attend virtually, please do not let this deter you from applying.
- You will be reimbursed for travel costs and provided with lunch.
How to apply
Check your eligibility.
Please answer these three questions and send your responses to rebecca@ihaveavoice.org.uk by 5pm 4th April. Apply early as spaces are filling up quickly! You will not be penalised if you are well below the maximum word count.
- What are you passionate about and why is it important to you? (max 300 words)
- What about this training programme appeals to you? (max 200 words)
- Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to persuade someone to either do something or change their perspective? What did you do to be persuasive? What was the result? (max 300 words
Please do not send a CV.
