Year 13s were given a tasty task to design a new Pret a Manger sandwich in a session that encouraged them to work together on a typical practical task they may encounter as part of a group assessment when applying for an apprenticeship, job or uni place.
Ashton Massey, a careers counseller with Pathway CTM delivered the session, with the support of some of ALET employer partners from CBRE, CyrusOne and LMG acting as group mentors. One of the LMG team – Ruqayyah – is an apprentice herself, having completed the Digital Futures Programme at UTC Reading’s sister school UTC Heathrow last year. The aim of the session was to get the students to understand how they can best present themselves in group interviews and assessment centres so they stand out from the crowd.
Some tasty solutions were offered as the teams presented their lunchtime creations, including a Nandos collaboration; a low cal chicken/tofu sandwich, a Russian inspired turkey and mango creation and, the winning sarnie – the TLC comprising tomato, lettuce, halloumi cheese and teriyaki chicken to make you feel good!
Winning team-members Hassan, Alex, Oldar and Faris said: “Today has taught me that the assessment centre process isn’t just about what you know, it’s about who you are as a person and what skills you can bring.”
Candace Kumi from LMG said: “The session was really insightful. They came up with some really good ideas regarding the design a sandwich. The thing I was looking out for in the winning team was confidence and how they went about working as a team – did they listen to their peers, did they work through any problems they might have had and also their presentation skills.”
This fun task led on to a q&a on group interviews and apprenticeships – one of our employers had in fact started as apprentices themselves. They spoke about they types of apprenticeships their companies offer, as well as their own routes in to their roles. Some of the advice they gave the students was to:
Ashton was impressed both with the students engagement in the task and ‘their willingness to think outside the brief, with thing like blue light discounts and loyalty cards.
Ace the assessment centre
Ashton gave the group an overview on what to expect at assessment centres- usually a one on one interview, a group task and psychometric tests – and our employers offered these tips :
“My top tip for interviewing will be do your research on the company. It’s always good to come into an interview prepped and able to ask questions about the company that you’re interviewing for. I think that always goes down well with the with the company and the person who’s doing the interview.” Warren Atkinson from CBRE
“Prepare a good list of questions to ask, in case the question you want to ask gets asked before you can speak.” Ashley, CBRE
“Know what your transferable skills are – show the company that you are right for the role not with what experience of that industry you have, which may be none, but how your transferable skills can be used in that role.” Ashton, CRM Pathway
“When interviewing an apprentice we look for confidence and someone who is willing to put themselves out there and show the skills they do have. Ashley, CBRE
“Don’t lie. If you are asked about something you can’t do, be honest, but direct your answer to your strengths.” Candace, LMG
If you are looking for an apprenticeship, you can boost your chances by exploring the Pathway CTM programme here, or ask your careers lead for more details. https://pathwayctm.com
