My name is Iwan Kellett and I’m a sixth form student at Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones. From the 17th to 21st of June I had the opportunity to go on work experience at Rhun ap Iorwerth’s office, the National Assembly for Wales Member for Ynys Môn. I spent three days working in the constituency office in Llangefni and the other two days in Tŷ Hywel, Cardiff at the Assembly office.
On my first day I was at the Constituency Office in Llangefni and immediately I was surprised to see the variety of work that was going on. In the morning, we visited a great exhibition at the MENCAP Hub showing portraits of Hub users. Then back in the office I learned how the office provides support and helps constituents. In the afternoon we went to Llanbedrgoch to learn more about the work the North Wales Wildlife Trust carries out there. It was amazing to know that I live so close to such an important area that I’d never actually visited before!
I flew down to Cardiff from Valley to work in the office in Tŷ Hywel on Tuesday and Wednesday. There was another person on work experience there called Mo, so when we arrived we went for a tour of the site and found out more about how the Senedd and Tŷ Hywel work. When I got back to the office I translated a document for release to the press and immediately afterwards we visited the BBC which was running an event to discuss broadcasting issues in Wales. Then after lunch I sat down and listened to FMQ’s. It must be said, I was a little star-struck walking around seeing the different Assembly Members. I even got my book signed by Adam Price! Down in Cardiff I also helped write a speech and went to a meeting to take notes.
For the rest of the week I was back in Llangefni responding to constituents’ worries and trying to help them by writing e-mails on their behalf on a wide variety of issues.
The week was amazing! I learned so many things and the experience was fantastic! It was an eye-opener to see all the work the office does and of course the Assembly Member. From listening to national issues in the chamber to hearing local problems in the office. For anyone thinking of going to Rhun ap Iorwerth’s office for work experience, please do! It’s been an amazing experience, thanks to the team for a great week.
