YEAR 10 students from Elthorne Park High School spent a morning practicing their interview techniques with professionals from a cross section of local businesses.
The 14- and 15-year-olds who are at a key stage in their academic career rose to the challenge organised by Connexions Ealing Careers Advisers.
Spending 10 minutes with the local employers, including Specsavers, provided a valuable opportunity to answer an array of competency-based interview questions based on a specific job description they had prepared for ahead of the event.
Sujith Weerasinghe, Specsavers Regional Relationship Manager for North West London, says: ‘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 as this included non-verbal communication skills and guidance with regard to how they approached the interview questions.
‘I’m delighted to support this careers event, as I believe it’s really important to help the next generation rise and succeed in their careers. The students are very fortunate to have the Connexions Ealing Careers Advisers offer guidance around preparing for the job market and supporting them with regard to potential career pathways.’
During the morning’s mock interview session, the pupils responded to a variety of questions designed to help them build confidence in the job market. It also highlighted the importance of preparing ahead of a job interview, especially as students have found the mock interviews help build their confidence and self-awareness when applying for part time employment, apprenticeships or university interviews.
As an organisation, Specsavers invests in staff development, encouraging them to further their qualifications and progress their careers within the group. Students who prefer a more blended style of learning can apply for an apprenticeship, which combines formal study with on-the-job training.
The Specsavers Career Pathway offers staff the opportunity to study for industry-recognised qualifications which encompass a wide variety of roles, including customer services, optician, dispensing optician, optical assistant, audiologist, audiology assistant and laboratory technicians.
For anyone who wants to check out if their eyesight or hearing is in tip-top condition, you can contact Specsavers Ealing Broadway on 020 8840 2977 or you can also book online: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ealingbroadway
