Each year, James offers a small number of work experience places to young people from across the Braintree constituency who are interested in learning more about Parliament, politics and public service.
The Parliamentary Work Experience Programme is designed to give participants a structured introduction to life in Westminster and the work of a Member of Parliament. Working alongside James’s parliamentary team, participants will gain an insight into:
- how MPs represent their constituents;
- how the legislative process works;
- the role of parliamentary staff in supporting an MP;
- constituency casework and correspondence; and
- policy development, research and parliamentary business.
The programme is aimed at students aged 17 and over, including sixth form, college and university students, who live in the Braintree constituency and have an interest in politics, public policy or public service.
October 2026 Programme
Applications are now open.
This year’s programme will take place during the October half-term, from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026. Up to four places are available.
Applications close at 5.00 pm on Monday 31 August 2026.
How to apply
Please submit:
- your CV; and
- a covering letter (no more than one page) explaining:
- why you would like to take part in the programme;
- what interests you about politics or public service; and
- what you hope to gain from the experience.
Applications should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line “Work Experience Programme 2026”.
As places are limited, successful applicants will be selected following a competitive application process. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application during September.
