How students in Harborough adapted their mock interviews with local professionals during the pandemic

Students at a Market Harborough secondary school have taken part in virtual mock interviews with local professionals as they gear up to carve out careers.

Year 11 pupils, aged 15 or 16, at Welland Park Academy on Welland Park Road carried out the crucial exercise as they start to seriously plot their long-term futures out in the workplace.

Principal Julie McBrearty told the Harborough Mail: “This is an annual event for students in Year 9 and then again in Year 11 as a vital part of their careers education.

“We invest a lot of time with students to ensure that they are well prepared for how to conduct themselves during an interview as part of our careers education.

“This year, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, we adapted our provision and the whole process was conducted online.”

Julie saluted the “work of Mrs Hix, Mrs Gerald and the IT department to facilitate the event”.

Police officers, entrepreneurs, financial advisers and project managers were among those who took part.

They have provided feedback to the school on how each student did while being interviewed and on their application form.

“We are all really looking forward to the day when these interviews can resume in person once again,” said Julie.

Year 11 student Kate said: “I found it more challenging online than live when we did it in Year 9.

‘We welcome working with professionals from the community in this annual event for students in Year 9 and then in Year 11.

“They are always very generous with their time and the students appreciate the experience and the feedback.”

The 960-student school has been awarded the national gold career mark, said Julie.