The National Federation of Builders (NFB) is delighted to welcome its first apprentice to the team – Mia Silverfield. Mia joins the NFB’s Policy and Research Department as a Political Communications Apprentice where she will be involved in lobbying policy makers as well as communicating to members and the media.
Mia’s apprenticeship will see her pursue a Level 4 Diploma in Public Relations from the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) while working four days a week for the NFB.
Here we ask Mia about why she chose to undertake an apprentice with the NFB.
Mia, tell us why you chose to pursue an apprenticeship and the approach of learning-on-the-job?
Undertaking an apprenticeship is a great opportunity for a new and unique challenge and is a good way to meet and work with new people. It gives you a chance to gain experience in a professional working environment, whilst also earning and working towards a qualification at the same time. I gave college a go but I much prefer a hands-on approach to learning so wanted to get started in my career and put learning into practice as soon as I could.
And why did you want to work for the NFB, and in the construction industry?
I applied for the role with the NFB specifically because I am very interested in the policy making process and being a part of that, as well as working with the team at NFB to lobby the government to influence change and support the construction sector. I thoroughly enjoyed studying politics at college, however working with the NFB is a better way to be exposed to the political world and experience the system first-hand which the NFB offered. I also know how crucial construction is to the UK economy, so an important industry in which to make positive change.
And when you’ve finished your apprenticeship, where do you see your career progressing? What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I aspire to have a long-term career in political communications as I’m extremely motivated by the prospect of making a difference to people’s lives and implementing change in the world. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and becoming a part of the team and seeing where the journey takes me.
And outside of work and politics, what are your passions?
I have been a member of the Worcester Rowing Club for 5 years and during that time I have attended (and often won!) various races, regattas and other competitions. Most of the time I row in a quad and my position in the boat is at stroke; however, as a crew we are branching out into bigger boats with 8 people. I also really enjoy reading; I am currently reading ‘The Power’ by Naomi Alderman, which I would definitely recommend!
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