Sixthformer secures dream placement.

A Barrow Sixth Form College student is looking forward to learning about leadership when she takes up her Dream Placement next month.

Eboni McClarey, who studies A Levels in psychology, biology and chemistry at the Rating Lane campus, has successfully applied for the placement, which will take place at the office of the Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell.

Dream Placement is run by The Centre for Leadership Performance and enables 16 to 18-year olds from across Cumbria to apply for placements in the county’s top businesses and organisations.

The candidates go through a competitive selection process and join the organisations for a week in the February half-term break to complete unique projects.

Eboni, who is in her first year of college after joining from Dowdales School, said: “I found out about the scheme from my personal progress coach and it seemed like a great opportunity to get experience and also to show my skills in my application to university, where I am hoping to study a degree in psychology.”

She attended a series of interviews with top businesses and organisations at an event in Workington and was matched with Simon Fell’s office.

Eboni said: “I’m not studying politics but the interview was really good and I find it quite interesting. Through the project I get a chance to implement an idea that will change something so it will have impact.

“The interviews were really good for my confidence so, even if I hadn’t been selected, I had the chance to network and get emails for future contacts but to get through was brilliant and I’m looking forward to the week.”

Sam Roberts, careers advisor at Furness College, said it was an excellent opportunity for Eboni to develop workplace skills and bring new ideas to an organisation.

“This is a very competitive process with hundreds of students applying and we are delighted that Eboni has been selected. It will be a week to remember, will complement her academic studies and stand her in good stead for when she applies to university.”

Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell said: “I’m delighted to be supporting Dream Placement again this year. My team and I are looking forward to welcoming Eboni to our busy constituency office.

“Dream Placement is a fantastic way for young people to gather valuable skills to help them prepare for the world of work, and help them in their careers. Likewise, we look forward to hearing Eboni’s ideas and suggestions and working together with her during the placement.”