Town hall tour kicks off MP’s new summer school for local teens

Monday, 7 July 2025 11:10

By David Murphy

A new summer work experience scheme launched by Heywood and Middleton North MP Elsie Blundell has begun with an inspirational visit to Rochdale Town Hall.

Elsie Blundell MP has officially launched her first annual summer work experience programme, aimed at helping young people aged 16 to 19 explore career paths, gain workplace insights and build professional networks. The initiative started with a visit to Rochdale Town Hall, hosted by Mayor Janet Emsley.

Describing the two-week initiative as a “booster course,” Blundell said it was designed to help young people “sample career options in various organisations, gain valuable insights from experts, and build new networks for future success.”

Participants were selected through a rigorous application process focused on those who might not normally access such opportunities. “It was really difficult to choose,” said the MP. “The standard of applications was incredibly high.”

One participant, Mollie-Mae Pike, described the town hall visit as “eye-opening,” noting how rare it was for residents like her to step inside the historic building. “It’s beautiful and not something people like me normally get to see,” she said.

The scheme includes placements with Rochdale Council, Rochdale Borough Housing and Greater Manchester Police. The group will also travel to London for visits to Parliament and 10 Downing Street.

Blundell added that unsuccessful applicants would still be offered a special professional skills day, and all are encouraged to apply again next year. “Young people in this constituency have so much potential,” she said. “We need to give them the tools—and then they have to step up.”