Studley Students Brush Up on Interview Skills

Maths and science books were put aside for a day as pupils at a Redditch school studied interview techniques in a bid to give them the edge in the world of work. Students at Studley High School spent the day with possible future employers – which included Emma Beard and Sam Mulhall from Bright Kids Nurseries. Emma and Sam were there to build up the already good relationship they have with the school, and to advise students on interview techniques, giving them tips on how to get a job. Emma said the school is close to their head office in Studley and they have already had pupils at the nurseries for work experience. “This is the first year we have taken part in the school’s Personal Development Day for their students and it went really well,” said Emma, who is head of operations at Bright Kids. “We gave students in year 11 a mock interview, and there were around 150 of them who took part.”

There were 12 local businesses taking part in the day, and Bright Kids was there with Persimmon Homes, Myton Hospice, Ricor, Britannia Washing Systems, Lamberts, McDonalds, GKN, Allelys Haulage, Cloverleaf, Integrity Accountancy and Stratford Manor Hotel. The day was partly funded using a Skills grant from Warwickshire County Council as part of the skills for employment programme aimed at developing business networks to work with schools. Emma said: “It was great to bring local businesses together, supporting the high school. The students reacted well to it and we had some great feedback from the pupils and teachers. I was there with Sam Mulhall, who is our well-being coaching and development executive, and we both found that the pupils were wonderful – polite and engaged with what we were doing. They were a credit to the school.”

The school provided breakfast and lunch for their guests and afterwards said they were pleased with the way the day had gone. Headteacher, Mr Gray said: “Some of the students were daunted at the prospect of being interviewed by a stranger but they rose to the challenge and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I am very grateful to the many businesses who have supported our school community.” Also, Miss Sienna, the school’s careers advisor, added that the day has already resulted in further engagement through tours, apprenticeships and creative project ideas. She said: “We would like to thank all the employers for empowering the pupils with confidence for the world of work and Warwickshire County Council for supporting this initiative.”