Local employers prepare students for life after education

Sphere Solutions and other local employers have been helping Eggbuckland Community College Year 11 and 13 students prepare for the world of work and higher education by giving them ‘real life’ interviews, along with CV and presentation advice.

“Our aim is to help the students gain more than just educational qualifications,” said Assistant Principal, Mrs Towers. “Competition for degree places, apprenticeships and jobs is at an all-time high, so anything we can do to help give them an edge is of obvious benefit.”

Year 11 students were interviewed on the College premises by local employers such as DWP, Babcock, Cigna Insurance, the Army and members of the 1000Club. The employers provided feedback on the quality of the students’ CVs and also discussed good interview techniques and advice.

To provide an even more realistic experience, Year 13 students were invited to attend a more formal mock interview at employers’ workplaces, rather than in the familiar surroundings of the College.

Recruitment Consultants from Sphere Solutions interviewed 10 students in total, with Area Director Rob Bennett reporting that all did extraordinarily well. “We think that the College’s idea of arranging mock interviews is a great idea, and we were proud to help out. It’s good to know that we’ve been able to do something practical to help the next generation.”

Sphere Solutions is a well-established recruitment company which specialises in the construction industry, so giving interviews and recruitment advice is second nature to its staff, who willingly gave up their time to help the students.

“Eggbuckland College has an exceptionally good record of students going into higher education, employment or apprenticeships, and much of this is down to the generosity of local employers giving up their time to provide a realistic experience and a vital life skill,” said Mrs Towers. “Whilst students can be nervous about attending these interviews, invariably they always come away feeling positive about the experience and value the feedback and honesty employers provide. The College is extremely grateful to all of the local employers who participate in the mock interview programme.”