Left-to-right: Louise Turner – Deputy Principal of Harlow College, Owen Warwick – new apprentice, Rob Halfon – MP for Harlow and Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, Paul Miller – Managing Director of Superior Roofing & Building.

Owen Warwick, 18, from Harlow, became the fourth apprentice to work for Rob Halfon, the Harlow MP and Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, beating off stiff competition to land the plum role.

In an innovative new departure, Owen will also be working as an apprentice for local building company Superior Roofing & Building, where he will soon be testing his head for heights as well as his business acumen.

The interview process was facilitated by Harlow College, who have worked with Rob Halfon on many previous occasions, helping him find apprentices and then delivering the framework.

Owen said of his appointment: "I'm absolutely chuffed! I never thought I'd have this opportunity. I applied for an apprenticeship as I've always wanted to get out and work. I'm really grateful for the opportunity and I'm looking forward to working hard."

Rob Halfon, who has worked with three previous apprentices, said: "I have a passion for apprenticeships; in fact, it was the subject of my very first speech in Parliament. Owen will be my fourth apprentice, and I'm delighted to team up this time with Superior Roofing, so Owen will gain good business as well as political knowledge and skills."

Paul Miller, Managing Director at Superior Roofing said: "It's true to say that the roofing industry will soon run out of labour unless we can continue to recruit talented young people to learn the trade. I'm very pleased to be able to offer Owen this opportunity. Our company already employs several apprentices, both in the office and as 'boots on the roof'."

Owen's time will be spent between Parliament, Superior Roofing and Harlow College, where he will study for his Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Business Administration one day a week.

Louise Turner, Deputy Principal at Harlow College, said: "We really appreciate the opportunity to work with both Rob Halfon and local companies. We've seen other apprentices flourish and grow and are sure Owen will have the same opportunities. We're very excited to carry on this partnership."

Owen starts work with Superior Roofing straight away, and will join Rob Halfon in September, when Parliament reconvenes.

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