Patchwork launched its first political internship to increase the diversity of the political workforce and create a self-sufficient pipeline of talent for the participating organisations. Our internship programmes have grown to engage young people from under-represented backgrounds through year long training schemes, summer placements and development opportunities and creating a broader range of employment opportunities within political and democratic institutions. While the placement is provided by the party or institution, Patchwork provides training for the organisation, participants and wrap-around support to ensure participants are not only supported, but flourish in these new environments.

Labour Party Summer Internship

Applications for our Labour Party Summer Internship have now closed. All candidates will hear back regarding the outcome of their application shortly.

The Labour Party are launching a brand new six-week summer paid internship in partnership with the Patchwork Foundation. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of politics, gain work experience, and learn more about how the Labour Party is run.

This programme is a diversity internship, designed to ensure the equal representation of all demographics in politics. This scheme will focus on individuals who come from ethnic minorities or lower socio-economic backgrounds, or who otherwise face societal barriers to engaging with politics. Throughout your time with the Labour Party, you will be supported through professional training and pastoral support to help you enter the world of politics.

Successful candidates will be interested in exploring the opportunities a career working in politics provides. Whilst experience of political activism in the Labour movement is helpful, the programme is primarily directed at people who have no experience at a national level. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for politics and align with the values of the Labour Party.

What might your time as an intern look like?

• Learn more about Labour’s Digital Department, including supporting on strategy tasks or learning to use the HQ digital systems
• Work alongside Labour’s Membership Department, including assisting with data management and supporting with membership development
• Experience Labour’s Policy Department, including assisting with policy development or contributing to strategic policy discussions
• Work alongside Labour’s Commercial Department, including assisting with party advertisements and supporting with market development
• Learn more about Labour’s Elections & Delivery Department, including working on current election strategies or on the ground campaign delivery

The internship will begin Monday 7th August and end Friday 15th September. This will be a fixed term, full-time placement, paid at London Living Wage (£11.95).

You will be based in the Labour Party HQ Office in London, and must be able to attend in person. As part of the internship, you may also have the opportunity to work in the Newcastle office, and attend other locations across the UK.

We will carry out social media checks on successful candidates.

Virtual assessment centres will be held the week commencing 3rd July, and in-person interviews will be held the week commencing 10th July.

Applications closed 9AM Monday 19th June.

Any questions, please contact [email protected]

Other relevant opportunities:

If you’re interested in attending more events to help you engage with politics, we’ll open applications for our 2024 Masterclass Programme in Autumn 2023. This 12-month programme kickstarts in January 2024 and will give you monthly Masterclasses with senior figures across politics, skills sessions, and ways to #GetInvolved in local politics and community initiatives, all whilst building your confidence, knowledge and networks. You can read more here.

“I never thought we would have the opportunity to meet as many people as we did and really get to know them on a personal level. Being in the office there are so many politicians walking in and out of the building and we all felt starstruck in their presence, yet this was a very normal occurrence.”
 2022 Intern

“Fridays with Patchwork were very useful to develop my own skills and apply myself properly to the internship. I’ve learnt how to write speeches, speak publicly, negotiate and lead, amongst other things. It’s been a useful forum to reflect on each week and it’s nice that all the interns can be together when sometimes we were separated in different departments.” 2022 Intern