‘I want to help other young people develop the qualities that will take them forward’

Tom, is a Dream Placement ambassador having completed a placement with James Fisher Nuclear in 2017.   He went on to become an apprentice design engineer with the company in 2018 after leaving the sixth form at St Benedict’s School but is now studying international business law at Manchester Metropolitan University.  However, his driving ambition is to pursue a career in politics.

Tom says: “I have always been interested in politics and the way that impacts on the nuclear industry in Cumbria.  Dream Placement was a terrific experience and I really enjoyed working at James Fisher Nuclear but I realised that wasn’t the career I wanted.

However, that year in industry has given me a solid base, and some financial security.  I have also had placements with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Jamie Reed at Sellafield Ltd.  Dream Placement and my time in the St Benedict’s sixth form was a great grounding for me – creating the emotional maturity to approach adults on equal terms and be taken seriously.  That’s one of the reasons why I am supporting Dream Placement and the Cumbria Future Leaders Forum – to help other young people to develop the important qualities that will take them forward.”