This week, MEP Jill Evans welcomed sixth form student, Cai Elis to Brussels for a week's work experience at her office in the European Parliament.

Jill runs a scheme offering valuable experience at the Parliament to young people from Wales. Cai, who is from Cerrigydrudion, is currently studying A Levels in French, History and English Literature at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy sixth form.

Jill Evans MEP and Cai Elis in the European Parliament in Brussels

Commenting on his time in Brussels, Cai said,

"Being present at debates and voting sessions has really made me realise how important the Parliament and the EU is, and how much of its legislation applies to our every day lives in Wales. I would definitely recommend anyone who has an interest in politics, or the EU in general to ask for work experience here, it has been exceptionally beneficial for my understanding of European politics."

"I came here to practice my French and hear the language being spoken in a working environment, and although I was only in Brussels for a week, I feel more confident in speaking the language now. Considering the linguistic diversity here, a work experience in the parliament would be beneficial to anyone studying any European language; everything in the main debates is instantly translated into 23 languages which I find incredible."

"I would like to thank Jill for the chance of coming to Brussels for work experience, for Sara Davies and Sara Medi in the office and everyone else for giving me a warm welcome. It has been really good week!"

Cai hopes to continue his French studies and have a politically orientated career in the future.

Jill Evans MEP commented,

"It's always a pleasure to welcome young from Wales to my office in Brussels for them to experience the workings of the European institutions first-hand. Cai made a great contribution to our team here in Brussels and helped raise the profile of Wales in Europe.

"At the same time, he also saw how much work is still to do in fighting for Welsh interests. For example, he listened to an important debate on abattoir inspections, something I'd been working on with UNISON. Cai also met Maredudd ap Gwyndaf from the .cym campaign who is fighting for Wales to get it's own domain suffix.

"He also joined me in the Palestine delegation where he heard journalists talking about their experiences with the flotilla to Gaza and saw footage of the Israeli attacks on the aid ships.

"Cai was a pleasure to work with and I wish him all the best for the future."

Diwedd/Ends.