”I am proud to support the ground breaking work of the Patchwork Foundation. Patchwork is one of the few organisations I know that trains young people from diverse backgrounds on political campaigning and then helps them to implement those skills on the doorstep through their GetInvolved programme.”
Masterclass
2024 Masterclass Programme:
You can apply to join our 2024 Masterclass cohort here.
The deadline to apply to join our 2024 cohorts is Wednesday, 3rd January 2024.
“Patchwork helped me realise that I could call myself a leader. Not just a student of leadership, but someone who could have a role in politics.”
Ifraax, 2019 Graduate
Graduates reflecting on the past year at the 2021 Masterclass Graduation in 11 Downing Street.
The Masterclass Programme facilitates conversations between diverse groups of young people and leading figures across the political and public sectors to develop greater engagement in democracy and civil society.
The Patchwork Masterclass programme develops the personal and professional skills of young people from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in political spaces. Events, training and mentoring take place both in-person and online over the year to increase your political knowledge and engagement. Patchwork widens access and enables you to seize opportunities, build your networks and develop your confidence as an active member of political and civil society.
Successful candidates will get exclusive access to decision-makers, politicians and journalists whose places of work span Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. You’ll engage in Masterclasses, participate in skills sessions, get to apply what you’ve learnt and gain real-world experience with mainstream politics, from canvassing to campaigning, through our #GetInvolved sessions.
Skills sessions provide an opportunity for candidates to develop skills such as public speaking, speechwriting, and allyship. Run by leading professionals in their respective sectors, it’s a chance for you to practise and gain confidence in skills vital for both personal and professional settings.
You will be part of a cohort of young people that learn not just from the speakers but also from each other, cultivating mutual understanding and discovering new perspectives. With over 600 graduates of the programme, many have gone on to work directly with politics, charities, NGOs and across the private sector. You can see some of our alumni spotlights and read about our previous Masterclass sessions here.
Masterclass sessions cover topics such as political campaigning, broadcast media and politics, civil service careers, leadership, and policy amongst others. Masterclasses have been led by former Prime Ministers, Secretaries of State, Journalists and Political Strategists, with the sessions held at UK institutions like 10 Downing Street and Parliament.
Previous Masterclass tutors include:
- Rt Hon David Cameron, former Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party
- Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, former leader of the Labour Party
- Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
- Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party
- Sir Edward Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
- Tamara Finkelstein CB, Permanent Secretary, DEFRA
- Pippa Crerar, The Guardian Journalist
- Mishal Hussain, BBC Journalist
Entry requirements
We encourage you to apply if you fit the following criteria. If you’re interested in the programme but aren’t sure if you meet the requirements, feel free to discuss your application with us by emailing [email protected]
- Are aged between 18-30 years old at the start of the programme and residing in the UK.
- Identify as a young person who, for economic, social, cultural, geographical or health reasons, faces obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to politics and broader opportunities.
- Able to give time for monthly Masterclass sessions (approx. 50 hours across the year-long programme, predominantly composed of 2 hour sessions) and attend the required number of sessions to graduate from the programme
- At least two of these sessions must be attended in-person in a location in Central London
- Are proactive and committed to making the most out of the whole programme.
- Have an interest in British Politics or Civil Society, such as: engagement in party politics, law, climate initiatives, grassroots campaigning etc.
- Able to commute on occasion to London, for Masterclass sessions (needs-based financial assistance is available).
- Willing to engage in open discourse and remain respectful towards other participants, the organisation and speakers.
If you have any queries, please email [email protected]
The deadline to apply to join our 2024 cohorts is Wednesday, 3rd January 2024.
The 2023 Programme was kindly sponsored by Hogan Lovells, Flint Global, Algbra, 777 Partners, Redstrike, South Street Asset Management, The Valesco Group and KPMG.
You can apply to join our 2024 Masterclass cohort here.
Hear from our Graduates:
“There is a lot you can learn from the people in your cohort and perhaps build life-long friendships! With the variety of participants, you will engage with individuals who are at different stages of their life and have a wealth of experience to share.” Mustapha, 2019 Graduate
“The Patchwork experience shapes you to be an individual with courage and authenticity, and motivates young people to develop leadership skills. I think that if you are interested in learning more about politics, leadership, and developing your skills, then Patchwork is perfect for you.” Katie, 2021 Graduate
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Former Prime Minister and Former Leader of the Conservative Party