Plumbing and Electrical Installation students from Harrow College were interviewed by leading representatives from the world of construction on 15 April as part of a special mock interview careers event, organised by the Harrow College Careers team.
Employers including Wilmott Dixon – one of the biggest private companies in the construction and property sector as well as Young Crossrail, Farran Construction, Jeram Falkus Construction and RS+OC Ltd conducted mock employment interviews, just as they would in a real life situation, to ensure students received the best understanding of a formal work related interview process.
Students were assessed on their responses as well as other important competencies including their dress code, time keeping and body language. The employers were constructive with their feedback so that students took away productive insight from the experience including what they could improve on for future interviews and how their overall CVs could be developed.
Speaking after the event, the guest employers were full of praise. A representative from Wilmott Dixon said “I’m really impressed with the calibre of students – I would employ them. These students should be confident because they are learning useful skills. I have really enjoyed this”. Feedback from RS+OC Ltd was equally positive; “I learn more every time I visit Harrow College. All the students are inspired by you and they are being much better prepared for the future”. Farrans Construction added “A Lovely Cohort of students – seemed keen to learn and build on understanding”.
The event also resulted in some direct work opportunities. Young Crossrail have offered one student work experience whilst Farran Construction have offered to take students on for work experience.
Joanne Whitehead, Careers Team Leader at Harrow College commented “Many of the students will face interviews from employers in the future so specific preparation like this from within the sector is designed to give the young learners a head start on their career journeys”.
A second session of mock interviews is already scheduled to take place in May with further leading employers confirmed including Laing O’rouke and London Skills Development Network.
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