With the jobs market becoming increasingly competitive young people need expert advice and guidance to help them navigate the demands of CV preparation and interview techniques. To this end Junior Achievement in partnership with Ballakermeen High School have, for the second year in succession, been running a series of CV and interview workshops, real-time real-life interviews conducted by volunteers from nine Isle of Man employers.

The programme has been co-ordinated by Junior Achievement’s Joy Spence. ‘These interview sessions are an opportunity for young people to get their first taste of what an interview is like, so serves as a great confidence builder for when they start out looking for a job. Ahead of the interviews they have to prepare a CV and choose to which of the employers to apply. They are then provided with a job description in advance of the interview after which their interviewers give them feedback.

‘None of this would be possible without the support of employers who generously give up their free time. Last year’s programme went very well, but this year we’ve been fortunate that even more employers came forward. We’re very encouraged that so many organisations are willing to help young people gain an insight into the “real” world of work and set them on their chosen career paths. It’s also been interesting to note that at 100, uptake from the students was double that of last year.  Clearly the impact of these uncertain times and the continuing economic downturn is prompting the younger generation to think seriously about their future careers.’

Volunteer interviewers were drawn from Barclays, Department of Social Care, Equiom, Manx Telecom, Marks and Spencer, Mental Heath Service Isle of Man Government, Office of Human Resources Isle of Man Government, Shoprite and Swagelock.

Equiom was an organisation new to the interview workshops. Head of HR Colin Mackenzie said: ‘We decided to take part in the workshops after we got involved with the company programme Junior Achievement runs, which we found truly inspirational. The students put a huge amount of effort into what is an exceptional programme so we were keen to have the opportunity to support the interview sessions.’

Ballakermeen High School’s head teacher Adrienne Burnett said: ‘The school was delighted so many employers embraced the workshop concept. This year more than 100 students chose to take part in these real-life situations that bring great benefit to our young people who see how the workshops can help lead them into the world of work. We’re also grateful for the whole-hearted support of the Junior Achievement team who are doing so much to help our students on their journey to becoming our future workforce.’

Interviewer Anne Shorrock of the Office of Human Resources said: ‘The workshops are not only a way to encourage more young people to join Isle of Man Government, the Island’s biggest employer, but also to help build young people’s confidence. I’ve been particularly impressed by the CVs submitted by the students who are clearly contributing to the community in so many different ways.’ Her colleague Jennie Walker, a former Ballakermeen High School student, added: ‘This is a time of big changes in government, which is very focused on developing its people, and it’s important to engage young people in that process to help manage those changes.’

15-year-old Eva Holder, who wrote in her CV of her ‘passion for politics’, was one of the students who chose to apply for an Office of Human Resources administrative post. ‘When you go to meet your interviewers you know they’re going to be looking for someone who knows how to present and conduct themselves well and who knows what they’re talking about. The workshops offer a really valuable experience and all the skills you learn you can apply to whatever type of  job interview you go for in the future.’

If you would like to volunteer to help young people prepare for the world of work, contact Joy Spence, joy.spence@jaiom.co.im, or call 666266.

Photo - Junior Achievement’s Joy Spence, front row centre, with CV workshop volunteer interviewers and supporters. Picture Andrew Barton.