Orla Duffey

Since leaving Wirral, I have studied for a BA (Hons) Economics and Politics degree and then for an MA in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies at Lancaster University.

Following the completion of my masters degree in September 2020, I started on the Local Government Association’s National Graduate Development Programme. On this programme, I am a graduate management trainee at Black Country Transport, an organisation that, for want of a better phrase, aims to present a united voice for the four local authorities in the Black Country on transport related matters. The local authorities covered are: City of Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall.

In terms of how Wirral prepared me, first and foremost they gave me the enthusiasm and desire to learn about politics (a huge thank you to the wonderful history department who taught the A level Politics course when I was a pupil). In addition, the teachers at Wirral helped me develop those key skills needed for higher education and beyond – analysis, time management, research, communication.