Local Housing Group gives Students Tips to Make it at Work

Local Housing Group gives Students Tips to Make it at Work

 As part of an Interview Skills day arranged by the school, 169 year 10 students were invited to respond to one of several real job adverts. Many of the students applied for the job as IT apprentice at Housing Plus using the genuine person and job specifications supplied by Housing Plus.

The applicants were then interviewed by a panel of Housing Plus staff including IT Manager Louise Cope. Louise said: "I was really impressed by the standard of the applicants. This was their first shot at applying for a job and they had really thought about it, turning up in their best clothes, making good eye contact with the panel and answering questions clearly and thoughtfully."

All of the applicants were given individual feedback on their performance.

Student Andrew Shelton says: “I gained a great deal of confidence from this fantastic and unique opportunity; the interview process allowed me to understand exactly what employers are looking for  by having the opportunity to talk to very successful and knowledgeable local business people. We were able to take away interview tips that will help us find greater success for the future.”

Speaking for the Group, Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jan Goode said: “The job market in Staffordshire is shrinking, but this enterprising school is doing its best to give its students an advantage in the employment stakes.  We are very pleased to have been able to encourage such a talented group of young people. They are our future and we need to give them all the help we can to make their way in a difficult job market.”

The event was facilitated by the Staffordshire Partnership, which develops and enhances the skills and potential of the future workforce through structured education, training and enterprise initiatives.