Turnout among young voters is at a record low. At a time when they have never been less engaged in the political process, the question is: who speaks for young people in Britain today?
British Future, in partnership with the Daily Mirror, is setting out to find the ‘Voice of a Generation’ – a talented, articulate individual to engage with and draw attention to the concerns of first-time voters in the runup to the 2015 general election.
The successful candidate will join the Mirror staff on a fully paid one-year apprenticeship. They will receive mentoring from senior journalists at the Daily and Sunday Mirror, an opportunity to set the news agenda and a platform to voice the concerns of young voters who feel neglected by the political process.
They will take up their post on 7th May 2014 – exactly one year before the country goes to the polls – and will report on the issues that really matter to other first-time voters, be it employment, education, health, housing, immigration or human rights.
The Mirror will provide them with a unique platform to speak out on behalf of voters who feel shut out of the day-to-day political process, and bring the concerns of young voters to the attention of the powerful.
British Future’s director Sunder Katwala said:
“We hear a lot of talk from other people about young people in our political debate today, but we don’t hear anywhere near enough from first-time voters themselves. The Voice of a Generation project will find out what young people most care about – and ensure their concerns are heard by the wider public and by the people making decisions on their behalf.”
We are looking for somebody aged 17-21 who will be voting for the first time in the general election of 2015. The successful candidate will be hard-working, articulate and self-motivated, with a keen interest in social issues and an understanding of journalism.
No prior experience or specific qualifications are required. You may be in full or part-time education, unemployed or looking for a change in career.
To apply, send a CV with a covering letter explaining why you should be the ‘Voice of a Generation’ to Aidan McGurran, deputy managing editor, at the address below by Friday 14th February:
The Mirror
1 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5AP
All applications will be assessed by a panel of experts and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
Read more about the Voice of a Generation project in the Daily Mirror.
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