Students at Pewsey Vale School, Pewsey in Wiltshire have taken part in a unique trial for a workshop designed to show students the various options available to them once they leave school and tips on how to prepare themselves for interviews. The workshop, which took place on Monday 16 March, was run by Partnership Development Solutions (PDS), a national business consultancy specialising in developing talent and skills in the workplace. PDS hope to deliver the workshop in schools across the country. "During the course of our work we see a lot of young people and have been surprised that many of them think that the only options open to them are either to go on studying or to go out to work," said Jenny Harman, Director of PDS. "Some of the applicants we have seen have had problems in basic skills, for example filling in the application forms and presenting themselves well at interviews. We believe there is a clear lack of careers advice and guidance in the UK and wanted to develop a workshop, based on our experiences, which will help students be more informed and give them a head start, whether they decide to carry on studying, become an apprentice or get a job." John Hobbs , Assistant Headteacher at Pewsey Vale School said: "In an increasingly competitive workplace our students need personal presentation skills advice whether it's for modern apprenticeship or university places. This workshop by PDS and high prestige employers like Virgin and Vodafone is exactly what 16 year olds need to hear." The workshop explained the routes available at school, college, university or directly with employers, including apprenticeships. Apprentices from Virgin Media and Vodafone, who have worked with PDS in setting up their apprenticeship programmes, presented their own real life stories on the different routes they took after leaving school. Students were given practical tips on how to research their options further, create CV's and fill out application forms. A special Interview Skills Toolkit session gave advice on how to prepare for the all important interview process. Chris Starling, Access Manager for Virgin Media in Bristol attended the event with two Virgin Media apprentices and offered his advice on how to make the first thirty seconds of an interview count. "I only wish I had been given this type of advice when I was at school," said Chris. "It can be a very confusing time for students in Years 10 and 11, so the more information they have the better. Virgin Media is very happy to support this event because we know first hand how valuable apprenticeships are for both schools and businesses. We want to help to spread the word and show that there are other options out there so students take all parts of the selection process seriously."

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