The uniqueness of this Programme captivates you to the point of not wanting it to end. Throughout the Programme, you feel that many of your insecurities fade away as each Masterclass inspires you and helps you to address your personal development needs.

My experience in the Masterclass Programme 2018 has been inspirational, captivating and unforgettable. From the Induction Day Patchwork Foundation demystified myths about Politics being inaccessible for young people by arranging Parliament to be our venue for the evening. For most of us it was our first time in Parliament. Throughout the Programme, we our Masterclasses were held in well-known law firms offices such as Norton Rose Fulbright and Hogan Lovells; Government Departments; the U.S. Embassy; the Conservative and Labour Party Headquarters and 10 Downing Street. Access to these high-profile venues has inspired me to consider working in one of these organisations in the future.

Moreover, the most important aspect of this Programme is the speakers and what you get from them – the content. I have been very privileged and honoured to have Masterclasses with high-profile politicians such as Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP and Sir Steve Goldstein; civil servants such as Sir Jeremy Heywood and Sir Philip Rutnam; and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service in London. Meeting all these people has been the highlight of the Programme as I learnt about different skills that are vital for high-profile roles in Politics. Not only skills, but also advice on how to handle difficult situations. All of this content is kept in one notebook which I believe will always be of greatest value and use to me.

The uniqueness of this Programme captivates you to the point of not wanting it to end. Throughout the Programme, you feel that many of your insecurities fade away as each Masterclass inspires you and helps you to address your personal development needs.

Furthermore, alongside the Masterclass Programme I also attended Get Involved sessions held by Patchwork. These Get Involved sessions usually involve canvassing with politicians or Political Party Conference Programmes. I was fortunate enough to attend the Conservative Party Conference in October. I not only attended a Masterclass with Rt Hon David Lidington MP, but I also had the chance to network with like-minded young people and politicians. It was definitely an excellent experience that I would repeat again.

Finally, the advice I would give you if you are an aspiring Patchworker is definitely apply for it. Don’t be put off or think that you have to be perfect to be successful in obtaining a place. I have always been a shy person who lacks confidence, but Patchwork believed in my potential and allowed me to experience this Programme. Patchwork will see potential in you too. If you are successful, please do make sure you get the most out of this Programme by being committed towards it from the beginning. You have to make sure you have time for research, the Masterclasses, and Get Involved sessions. The commitment is worth it, trust me; but you will never know til you apply.

Diana Reyes Rafael