My name is Iwan Kellett and I am a sixth form student at Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Amlwch. Over the week from the 17th to the 21st of June I had the opportunity to go on work experience to Rhun ap Iorwerth AM’s Constituency Office on Anglesey, and I was here for 3 days a week. For the other two days I went to Rhun ap Iorwerth's Office in Tŷ Hywel, Cardiff.
On my first day I was in the Constituency Office in Llangefni. Immediately I was surprised to see the variety of work taking place. In the morning we visited a fantastic exhibition at MENCAP Hub showing portraits of users of the Hub. Then back in the office I learned how the office provides support and help constituents. In the afternoon we went to Gors Goch in Llanbedrgoch to learn more about the work of the North Wales Wildlife Trust there. It was amazing to learn that I lived so close to an area that is so important in nature, and never been there before!
For the next two days, I flew down to Cardiff from Valley to go to the office in Tŷ Hywel, Cardiff Bay. There was another man on mentorship called Mo so on arrival we went for a tour of the site and found out more about how the Senedd and Tŷ Hywel work. After arriving back to the office I translated a document for release to the press then immediately we went to visit the BBC which was running an event to discuss broadcasting issues in Wales. Then after lunch I sat and listened to FMQ's. It has to be said, that I was a little bit starstruck walking around seeing the different Assembly Members. I even got my book signed by Adam Price! Down in Cardiff I also helped to write a speech and go to a note-taking meeting.
For the rest of the week I was back in Llangefni responding to the pains of constituents and trying to help them and writing e-mails to try and help them with a wide range of issues.
The week has been amazing! I've learned so many things and the experience really has been great! It has been an eye-opener for all the work that the office does and of course the Assembly Member. Listening to national issues in the chamber and to hear local problems in the constituency office. For anyone thinking of going on work experience to the office, do it! It has been an amazing experience, thanks to Rhun ap Iorwerth and Non ap Gwyn (Office Manager) for a great week.
