Kids learning on the job

YEAR 10 students at Hillcrest Christian College got a taste of the future when they took part in mock job interviews recently.
Members of the Berwick Rotary Club spent 20 minutes with each student and interviewed them for their dream job.
Careers teacher Suzanne Bester said the interviews were part of the students’ job skillstudy in their careers program at school. During the program, the students do a week of work experience, learn how to write a resume and cover letter, then learn interview techniques.
“The Rotary Club of Berwick has assisted the school with the mock interviews for the past three years,” Ms Bester said.
“They ensure the students are interviewed by professional businesspeople with experience in interview techniques. This experience enables the students to develop life skills imperative in this and future economic climates.”
Ms Bester said most of the students found the interviews to be very helpful and students gained confidence with their interview techniques, and others discovered what skills they needed to improve.
“Many of our students have part-time jobs, most of which have been obtained by verbal application or through family contacts,” Ms Bester said.
“Going through a formal interview process is alien for most of the students and somewhat daunting. The ability to practice their interview techniques, and get positive feedback to enable improvement, is a fantastic opportunity for these young adults.”