STUDENTS put their interviewing skills to the test as they met with local businesses for a special event in Thornbury.


The Castle School, in Park Road, hosted an employability day event on Wednesday, October 21, where 25 local businesses visited Yr 10 students to talk about future careers.


Sarah MacIsaac, business development coordinator said the event was a huge success.


“We had 25 local businesses which are part of the school's Premium Partners scheme 'Castle School Premium Partners’ in school working with the whole of Yr 10,” she said.


“They worked throughout the morning in small groups, as part of the 'Preparation for Working Life' curriculum. 


“Students had prepared draft CVs and application letters, on which the businesses gave constructive feedback and the businesses then gave students a taste of what to expect in a business interview, asking a range of questions and helping students develop their answers. 


“There was a real buzz in school, and students embraced the experience with enthusiasm and focus. 


“The Premium Partners really enjoyed working with the students and we hope to run the event again next year.


“We now have nearly 70 business linked with our school through the Premium Partnership, and this was a perfect opportunity to involve them and to give our Yr 10 students access to their expertise - they are preparing for their work experience this year.”


Businesses involved in the event included Berkeley Vale Motors, Specsavers, Tesco, Renishaw and many more.


Castle School Premium Partners was set up four years ago to build strong, long-lasting relationships with businesses ranging from multinationals to smaller enterprises in the local area.


The Castle School won the British Chambers of Commerce regional award in the ‘Business and Education Partnership ’category earlier this month in recognition of the scheme and it is now up against eight other schools to take away the national title on November 26 in London.


If you are interested in finding out more about Premium Partners, whether as a school or a business, contact Tess Wilkinson on info@premium-partners.co.uk or visit their website thornbury-premium-partners.co.uk.