Preparing for work

Mock interviews

We train business volunteers to conduct one-to-one mock interviews, either at school or a place of work. This is a straightforward opportunity for young people to practise and develop interview skills, often for the first time. They are given personalised feedback, so they can tackle future interviews for work experience, college, apprenticeships, university … and eventually a job.

The most useful part of the interview training was learning what my own qualities are.

Year 10 student
Sarah Bonnell School

I think it is a very useful programme for students, as it provides them with essential interview practice.

Volunteer
Sarah Bonnell School

BOSS Day

BOSS Day (Building Opportunities and Skills Seminars), is a full-day session for Year 10 and 11 students, focusing on essential skills such as CV writing, interview techniques, skills identification, and preparing for work experience. It’s our flagship programme aimed at raising aspirations and realising opportunities. Volunteers give tried-and-tested seminars to groups of students, sharing experiences to develop skills and confidence.

Students get advice on first impressions and employability skills for next steps, including college interviews and part-time jobs.

Volunteer
Cumberland BOSS Day

Our students left with a better understanding of many aspects of working life, particularly interview skills.

Careers Coordinator
Cumberland School

Business Mentoring

We pair students with a business mentor for the course of a full academic year, with support from our employer partners. The pairings meet four times during this period and can also stay in touch via an e-mentoring website. The programme supports students in reaching personal, academic, and career targets, as well as building communications and organisation skills.

I hope to encourage people to be the best they can be and to reassure them that there is always an option, no matter how hard things seem.

Business mentor

It helped me understand who I really am as a person

Student mentee

Work experience

Our team works with local employers and education providers to co-ordinate placements for over 3,500 young people each academic year. The programme provides a great taster of the ‘world of work’, helping raise career aspirations and supporting academic progression. There are also benefits for participating businesses, who get fresh ideas and honest perspectives on what they do.

As a company founded in the Borough 134 years ago and still delivering projects in Newham, we are delighted to be working with 15 Billion to provide Work Placements, Apprenticeships and local employment to Newham’s residents.

Work experience employer