A TEENAGER from Tavistock College whose main goal in life is to be Prime Minister of Britain has been accepted to undertake work experience at Westminster.

Phoenix Rinkowski, 17, is an A-level student studying law who also attends both the Tavistock Youth Café and Youth 2 Youth in Bere Alston.

For his work experience week in March, Phoenix expressed an interest in attending and working at the House of Commons but thought this might be difficult.

Vicki Lloyd-Walsh, youth café manager and youth worker, helped Phoenix with his research and letter to the Commons to help his dream become a reality.

‘Phoenix has been part of both clubs since he was 13 — he is an interesting person with a big personality who has always said that his main aim in life is to be Prime Minster.

‘He recently told me that he wanted to go to the House of Commons for his work experience week in March.

‘After emailing the Commons we decided that we would go straight to West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox. Phoenix and I worked together on an email to Mr Cox stating his interest in politics and law and explaining how good it would be if he could work along side a barrister who worked as an MP. One hour later Phoenix received a reply from Geoffrey’s secretary saying that they would be delighted for him to come to Westminster and do his work experience with them.

‘As you can imagine this has been a really exciting week for Phoenix.

‘I hope Phoenix’s success will help other students to strive for what they want.’

Phoenix said: ‘I am chuffed to have been given this amazing opportunity. It has always been my ambition to work within the field of law or politics in the future and I’m still mind-blown about the whole situation.

‘I cannot wait to spend a week working in the Palace of Westminster.

‘I would like to thank everybody who has made this possible.’

When considering applications for work experience, Mr Cox will only accept applicants aged 16 or over due to the issues dealt with of sensitive nature.

Work experience students undertake tasks, including preparing a brief, writing press releases and accompanying the MP or staff to a meeting or event in the House or in the consistency.

Mr Cox said: ‘Since I was elected, my door has always been open to local young people who are at the early stages of their career and want to find out more about the role of an MP and I have had many who have worked in my office over the years, some of whom have stayed in touch!

‘I know how tough today’s job market is for young people and how valuable work experience is to employers.

‘On my regular visits to local schools I am always impressed by pupils who have given much thought to their career plans and almost always quiz me about the routes to working in law and politics.

‘Places and opportunities are limited, especially around school half term and holidays, which is when the majority of applicants want to undertake work experience, but we will always try to help here in the constituency or in Westminster if we can so that as many young people as possible can gain an insight into the day to day functions of an MP’s office.’