Led by Sally Hinkins and Penny Reason from Enterprise in Education and funded by Make Happen, the programme provided students with invaluable insights into the job market, interview techniques, and the skills employers look for in candidates.

The morning session was packed with activities focused on employability, first impressions, and accessing the employment sector. Students explored job specifications, discussed transferable skills, and gained a deeper understanding of employer expectations. A highlight of the session was a group activity where students compared the skills required for different professions – from a care home worker to an England football manager – reinforcing the importance of adaptability in the workplace.

The afternoon was a great opportunity for students to gain real-world interview experience as they took part in mock interviews with industry professionals from organisations such as NatWest, Waitrose, Paul Robinson Solicitors, and CNH. This hands-on experience allowed them to put their learning into practice, receiving valuable feedback on their interview skills, body language, and responses to common questions.

Throughout the day, students were also introduced to key aspects of career planning, including the importance of LinkedIn for networking, CV writing best practices, and building a personal brand to showcase achievements and ambitions. The programme left students with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of how to navigate the employment landscape.

By engaging in hands-on activities and professional interviews, students gained the tools they need to stand out in the job market, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.

“Myself and the team really enjoyed taking part in the event and were all very impressed with the students who clearly put in a lot of preparation in the lead up to the afternoon. Thanks for a great afternoon.” Mica Pengelly - Faster Payments Team Manager, NatWest Digital X

“My self-esteem was boosted, and I now feel more prepared for the future.” Fola.A – Year 12

“This programme benefitted me greatly—it showed me that interviews aren’t as stressful as I thought and helped me improve the way I present myself. I really hope we can have more of these workshops in the future as they were fun, engaging, and informative.” Riley.L – Year 11

“The programme was really effective in improving my interview skills. Penny and Sally did a great job preparing us, from how to present ourselves to what to say. My interviewer, Freddie, made me feel welcome and comfortable, which really helped.” Oliver.N – Year 11

“The best thing I learned today was how to create a CV.” Landen.L – Year 11

“The experience of learning new skills and taking part in an interview was incredible. It will really help young people with their future pathways, whether in further education or finding a job.” David.D – Year 11

“I really enjoyed today’s workshop—it was interesting and provided useful insights into the job industry. The mock interview was great practice for the real thing. More workshops like this would be really beneficial, especially for students considering university.” Maribel.O – Year 13

“This programme was very effective. I started the day unsure of what to expect in an interview, but I left feeling more prepared and confident.” Amira.C – Year 11

“This was a fantastic opportunity to help students understand and prepare for job interviews. I learned about things I hadn’t known before, such as assessment criteria. We also explored the importance of first impressions—how 33% of employers decide within seconds whether they would hire someone. Learning about posture, eye contact, and interview responses gave me more confidence. I would highly recommend this experience to other schools as it will positively impact students' future employment.” Eluney.B – Year 12

Click here to view more photos of the event.