This year, our HR Advisor Maureen Cadogan took some time out to participate in Year 10 Mock Interviews at George Salter Academy.

This workshop was arranged by Sally Stone at SIPS Education. These mock interviews were a valuable opportunity to provide real-life interview experiences, from which, the students could learn and develop skills for interviews in the futures, such as: university applications, employment or public-speaking events.

The students gained interview preparation techniques and developed their confidence in an unfamiliar environment. Such an event helps pupils to develop essential employability skills such as confidence, communication, coping under pressure, organisation etc.

In preparation for the mock interviews, students completed an application form or CV – another vital skill that will be used throughout their career. Pupils also participated in sessions on interview techniques and preparation for work experience. Following the interview, pupils were given verbal feedback by the business volunteer, which included both positive and negative criticism about their application form, body language, communication skills and responses to questions.

A number of organisations participated in this event from the local region; including representatives from: Adecco, Aspire People, Carillion, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Lovell Mitie, Robinson Brothers, Sandwell College, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), SIPS Education STEM ambassadors.