Recently, HR & Resourcing Advisor Hayley Kettlewell and Senior Project Manager Darren Green attended a Business Day at Handsworth Grange Community Sports College. The day aimed to equip Year 11 students with the necessary resources to apply for jobs after they have completed their GCSEs.

All the students dressed formally for the event to prepare for the dress code in a formal workplace. The students had professional photos taken to use for their CVs and Hayley gave advice on how to create a good CV or improve an existing one. Later, Hayley and Darren held mock interviews with eight students, afterwards completing feedback forms based on their performance, so students could develop their skills for future interviews.

After the event, some students approached Darren and Hayley for advice about careers in the construction industry. Darren said: “Myself and Hayley had the pleasure of interviewing the students and all represented themselves and the school admirably. I look forward to helping out with this event again next year.”

Darren and I really enjoyed our day meeting students of Handsworth Grange Community Sports College and it was great to see such polite and intelligent young adults. The students also enjoyed and appreciated the day whilst understanding how important this type of exercise is for their future. We wish all the best to all Year 11 pupils of Handsworth Grange Community Sports College.

Hayley Kettlewell, HR & Resourcing Advisor, Henry Boot PLC

The event simulates some of the processes and experiences involved in applying for a job/course and going for an interview, it is thoroughly enjoyed by pupils, staff and outside organisations that are invited to take part. We have run the day for many years as part of our Careers’ Education and Guidance Programme and it has always been a great success in developing pupils’ application skills and fostering links between the school and employers. We would like to say huge thank you to all the employers/volunteers who give up their time to help us with this event particularly Henry Boot Construction.

Sue Wright, Events Co coordinator, Handsworth Grange Community Sports College