Year 10 students at Elthorne Park High School in Hanwell took part in a mock interview event designed to help prepare them for the workplace.
The 14- and 15-year-olds spent the morning practising interview techniques with representatives from a range of local employers, in a session organised by Connexions Ealing careers advisers.
Students were given 10-minute interview slots with employers including Specsavers, answering competency-based questions linked to a job description they had prepared in advance. Each session also included feedback on performance, covering areas such as communication and approach.
Sujith Weerasinghe, Specsavers regional relationship manager for north-west London, said: “Events such as these really help the students to prepare for work and in particular how to approach an interview. During the 10 minutes allocated to each student, the feedback session proved to be invaluable.”
The exercise aimed to build confidence and self-awareness at a key stage in the students’ education, as they begin to consider options including part-time work, apprenticeships and further study.
Organisers said the sessions also highlighted the importance of preparation, with pupils gaining insight into expectations of the job market and potential career pathways.
