On Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd December, 400 students from years 10, 12 and 13 were given the opportunity to have a mock interview for their dream job. Forty employers from a range of businesses, volunteered their time to give students this valuable experience.

For many, this was their first ever interview and although some found it understandably daunting to speak about themselves to someone they didn’t know, students embraced the challenge and left with a greater understanding of the interview process. Employers took the time to give students personal feedback to develop their interview technique, which will serve students well in the future.

Many of the employers commented on the success of the event, in particular highlighting how polite, well presented and engaged the students were. Everyone that took part should feel proud of their achievement and should look forward to future interviews!

Without exception, the Notley High students I had the pleasure of interviewing yesterday and today were all polite and extremely well presented. I’d have employed two of those candidates tomorrow on the strength of the encounter had I appropriate vacancies. This is a credit to the students and whoever has played a part in coaching them for life beyond exams" – Roger Pittock

It was so insightful to meet and support the students from Notley High in this well organised career event. I am delighted that Greater Anglia was able to support their development and learning in such an interactive and engaging way" – Dawn Robinson

Working with the students at Notley High and Braintree Sixth Form was such a fantastic experience. It’s such a delight to see students so engaged and proactive about their futures" – Amy Furney (Writtle)

I can honestly say how impressed I was with those I had to pleasure of speaking to. There are one or two that really do stand out, I was beyond impressed. That can only be down to the hard work and dedication of all the staff at NHS- BSF" - Duncan Smith

Thank you for allowing me to interview your students today. They were great and are a real credit to themselves and your school" – Antony Behan

It was an absolute pleasure to meet the students and hear how passionate and enthusiastic they are to achieve their goals from Cabin Crew members to Forensic Scientists and ambitions to work on Wall Street even!You are all truly inspirational! Keep up the good work, continue focussing on your studies and realise your dreams" - Laura Young

The students were all very well prepared and engaged in the mock interview process. I enjoyed interviewing every one of your students as they were all very friendly. The students gave very interesting answers to my questions and had very good questions to ask themselves" - Kate Gunner

It was great to be involved with the students’ mock interviews. They were really excited to participate and gave great accounts of themselves and why they should be employed. Their answers to questions were considered and articulate, they should be very pleased with themselves as they’ll be an asset to any organisation, college or university they join. Well done, everyone!" - Ashley McClinton

A very rewarding day for the interviewer, confirming that young people can be very inspirational and look into the future in a very positive way. Wish all the students every success" - Iwona Bainbridge-Dyer

Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was a privilege to conduct for some, their first ever interview and to witness the enthusiasm and hope that these students have for their future" - Kelly Smith

It was fantastic to be able to support with mock interviews at Notley High School for another year, the students adapted brilliantly to being interviewed over Teams rather than in person which can be a real challenge. The students had written really interesting letters applying for their ‘dream job’ and it was a pleasure to support them in practising interview skills as they start to think about entering the workplace. London Stansted Airport hopes they have been inspired to join team aviation" - Emily Ferris

Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form are grateful to the following employers for taking part in this event: NexusBakers of Danbury; Department for Work and Pensions; Brennan Group; Freeport; Stansted Airport; HSBC; Greater Anglia; EDF; The Aim Group; Skills 2 Use; Writtle College; Braintree Precision Components, and others.