Mock interviews help Slough students get work-ready

Colleagues from refurbishment specialists Equans recently visited a Slough school to take part in a mock interview day alongside education charity Learning to Work.

The Equans team held the interviews with year 10 students at St Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School on Shaggy Calf Lane. They are part of a scheme that aims to give youngsters who will soon be entering the job market some valuable experience and guidance when interviewing for positions in the future.

The training and advice helps to familiarise the students with interviewing processes and provides an opportunity to receive constructive feedback and guidance on the day to help them improve their interpersonal skills.

Kate Roome, Business Engagement Executive at Learning to Work, said:

“On behalf of the team at Learning to Work I want to thank Equans for supporting the mock interview day we held at St Joseph’s. The school were delighted with how smoothly the day ran and the students’ punctuality definitely played a huge part along with our colleagues’ great organisational skills in putting the day together.”

Equans, which also specialises in improving the energy efficiency of homes through decarbonisation, is partnering with housing association, L&Q, to install new kitchens and bathrooms and replace roofs and windows at L&Q properties across London and the South East. They are one of 10 partners working with the housing association on their major works investment programme, which will see the organisation invest around £3bn over 15 years to improve the safety, comfort and environmental performance of residents’ homes.

Karen Field, Social Value Manager at Equans, said:

“I was very impressed with all the students that I interviewed, and in the way they conducted themselves during the day, and I’d like to say a big thank you to the school for looking after me. This is the third Learning to Work employability event that I have attended as part of Equans’ commitment to social value with L&Q: all their events are well organised and the students are well prepared.”

Mark Newstead, Director of Major Programmes at L&Q, added:

"L&Q is committed to being much more than a housing association and landlord, and this initiative highlights the community spirit of our major works investment programme. It isn’t just about building and upgrading homes: it's about making connections, helping people reach their potential, and having a positive impact in the communities where our residents live."