BUSINESSES from Tenbury and the Teme Valley have helping school students hone their interview skills.

The idea is to help to give the students an opportunity to experience what they will face in the future when they try to get a job.

Students at Tenbury High Ormiston Academy have been praised for their professionalism and passion after a day of being put through their paces in mock interviews, held as part of the school’s annual careers programme in collaboration with local businesses.

Leading businessmen from 13 local organisations made up the interview team for the day, coming from a whole array of professions from construction and manufacturing industries to the forces, public sector and higher education.

Between them, they helped 74 Year 11 students to practise their interview skills and boost their confidence throughout the day.

Having prepared CVs, personal statements and job applications to best match their career aspirations and interests with the support of the interview team, students participated in a 30-minute mock interview in preparation for the next stage of their career pathway.

As it was the first time that many of the students had found themselves in a formal interview scenario, the careers day provided a great opportunity for students to practise in the familiar environment of the school walls.

The business leaders provided the participating students with feedback on how to succeed in interviews, from the importance of their presentation to the articulation of their ideas.

They praised the high standard of the interviews this year and were impressed with how many of the students were already involved and working in the local community.

The one-day interview programme is part of the school’s well-established career, information and guidance education package which is led by the schools careers coordinator Sally Harrison.

As part of the bi-weekly career sessions held exclusively for Year 10 and 11 students, Year 10 students are also given the opportunity to arrange a work placement, which usually takes place before Easter.

The work placement scheme is across two weeks and provides students with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the work place so that they are fully prepared for when they leave school.

For many of the participating business leaders, it was the third year of collaboration with the school, which is sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT).With the constantly increasing need for highly skilled employees across all industries, the event provided a valuable opportunity for both local businesses and the students looking to gain confidence for future interviews at a very important stage of their lives.

“We were delighted to hold the careers event in collaboration with local business leaders and we are extremely grateful for the support they have provided our students,” said Adrian Price, principal of the Tenbury Ormiston Academy.

“It was a brilliant opportunity for the students to practice so that they are ready to succeed in the interviews that will come their way in the future.”